PARENTS have been warned they risk being fined if their children fail to follow Covid-19 laws after more than 30 teenagers attended a house party in Middlesbrough.

The group of students from a Middlesbrough school risked infecting others by meeting up during their isolation period.

The teenagers had been told to stay at home following a positive case at their school.

Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 or is identified as a close contact is required by law to self-isolate.

Fines start at £1,000 and rise to £10,000 for repeat offenders or serious breaches.

Under the restrictions, parents are legally responsible for ensuring children stay at home.

South Tees Joint Director of Public Health Mark Adams said: "This is a really unsettling time for young people.

"Their education is being disrupted and their way of life has changed in a way they couldn't have imagined.

"But it's vital that everyone who is identified as a close contact self-isolates for 14 days.

"That's crucial to us stopping the spread of Covid and returning to more normality as soon as possible.

"Young people may not suffer particularly bad Covid symptoms, indeed they might not develop any at all. But there is a real risk they can pass the virus onto someone more vulnerable.

"A parent or grandparent could become very poorly and end up in hospital. That's why it's so important that everyone without exception follows the rules so we can all protect one another."

Middlesbrough Council Head of Public Protection Judith Hedgley said: "The law is clear that parents risk being fined if children who test positive or are told to self-isolate fail to do so."

Financial support is available for those on low incomes who are unable to work after being instructed to self-isolate.

Those who meet the criteria can apply for a £500 payment via the Council and details on how to apply can be found here