REGISTRARS GET BACK IN THE OLD ROUTINE AFTER LOCKDOWN

AND BOOKSTART BABY PACKS HELP ENCOURAGE THE SHARING OF STORIES, RHYMES AND SONGS WITH A RESULT OF 'HAPPY FAMILIES'

ATHERSTONE babies born during Covid-19 lockdown are finally being added to official statistics.

The pandemic placed an unprecedented moratorium on their registration – but a return to a "more normal" service is underway.

And that means families who are now able to register births of new-borns following the lifting of restrictions are being gifted Bookstart baby packs for their little ones.

New parents would usually receive their Bookstart pack – which includes everything needed to begin sharing stories, rhymes and songs with their babies – at a visit from their health visitor.

But following all the disruption as a result of the pandemic, Warwickshire registrars are now giving them out again as they catch up with those that gave birth during lockdown – and parents that have had babies since.

County Councillor Kam Kaur explained: "Birth registrations are now up and running again.

"It's great for our registrars to be able to give new parents a little gift in the form of the Bookstart pack when they do come to register their babies.

"Tiny babies love to hear their parents read to them and we hope the book packs will help families have a bit of special time together sharing books at the start of their children's reading journey."

The councillor added: "Finally, we'd like to thank families for their patience over the past few months."

Meanwhile, visitors to county council register offices are now required to wear face coverings.

Since the rule change – which took effect the weekend before last – anybody going to a birth registration appointment, wedding or civil partnership ceremony, or notice of marriage appointment, must wear a face covering unless they are exempt from doing so under Government guidelines.

Brides, grooms and civil partners will not be required to wear face coverings during their ceremonies and are reminded that that social distancing and safety measures will be in place.