Health chiefs issue advice for Le Tour campers

Additional campsite facilities are available around the region for the thousands of spectators expected to descend on Yorkshire this weekend to enjoy the unique Tour de France spectacle.

Dr Simon Padfield, a Consultant in Communicable Disease Control with Public Health England’s Yorkshire and the Humber Centre, said: “It’s really great that so many people are going to be enjoying the fresh air and the glorious scenery we have in Yorkshire but there are just a few things to be aware of to make sure your camping break is part of a great weekend rather than sending you home feeling poorly.

“If camping on an open farm, it’s really important to be careful about hand hygiene to reduce any risk of infection from germs from animal droppings which may have been on the site previously.

“Especially if you are staying at a temporary campsite, please be aware that these do not have to be licensed and that quality of the toilets and camping pitches may vary considerably, so it is especially important to wash your hands as thoroughly and as often as you can and check with the owner that there is adequate clean water available for drinking.

“Whenever you can, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water – but especially after touching animals, fences or other surfaces in animal areas - and remember that gels and wipes do not remove all the germs that can be in dirt.

“It might sound obvious too but don’t put hands on faces or fingers in mouths and don’t eat or drink while walking around the farm, especially if touching animals. It’s especially important to keep an eye on children and help them to stay safe – especially make sure they don’t eat anything that has fallen on the floor!” said Dr Padfield.