Devon’s public health chief is concerned about the number of covid-19 cases still arising in work places.

Steve Brown, who is the county’s director of public health, said: “We’re still seeing cases spreading between work colleagues. It’s often not because of the work place practices themselves, it’s more a consequence of social interaction between colleagues while at work. And too often, it’s the virus spreading between colleagues who are car sharing.”

While in national lockdown, people should not be leaving their homes to travel unless for work or for other permitted essential reasons.

Car sharing is not permitted with people from outside their household or support bubble, unless their journey is undertaken for an exempt reason, for example, if car sharing is necessary as part of their work.

Where it’s essential to car share, you can reduce the risk of transmission by:

• Asking everyone in the car to wear a face covering

• Sharing the transport with the same people each time

• Minimising the group size at any one time

• Opening windows for ventilation

• Travelling side by side or behind other people, rather than facing them

• Trying to maximise distance between people in the vehicle, appreciating that social distancing is difficult in a car

• Cleaning your car between journeys using standard cleaning products, paying attention to touch points such

as door handles

Mr Brown said: “I’m asking everyone who needs to work from a work place, as oppose to from home, to be extra vigilant around social contact with other people at work. It’s those communal down-time moments in particular where we need to be really careful – the kitchen, the coffee breaks, the social catch ups in the corridor.

“Please follow the guidance, especially around social distancing, wearing of face coverings when inside, and washing our hands regularly.

“The best option is not to car share, but if you must – if your journey is essential and that car sharing is the only way to make that journey – please do everything you can to minimise the risk of catching and spreading the virus between passengers.”