A school in Wirral has closed with immediate effect after it was confirmed that the parent of a pupil has tested positive for coronavirus.

Hilbre High School confirmed the news in a letter realeased to parents today.

It is understood that a child of the parent who has contracted the virus attended the school yesterday.

But health bosses have since issued a statement advising the school to reopen.

A statement published on the school's website said: "Hilbre High School has today been informed that a parent of students at the school has tested positive for the Coronavirus. Prior to confirmation that the parent had contracted the virus, a child of the parent attended school yesterday.

"Whilst we understand that this has not formally been announced by the Chief Medical Officer for England, the Headteacher, Mr Mark Bellamy, has taken the decision to close Hilbre High School for precautionary measures."

Headteacher Mark Bellamy added: "As a precaution, we are closing Hilbre High School today. I have come to this decision to allow our school community to move forward and ensure that the school is clean for all of our staff and students. I can confirm that we have not been asked to close by the local authority or Public Health England. We expect to reopen on Friday 6th March.”

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The school was recently thrusted into the spot light after a group of pupils returned from a half term skiing trip to Northern Italy, where the coronavirus has claimed a number of lives.

On their return, the pupils and staff were told to stay at home if they were showing any of the recognisable symptoms, but Mr Bellamy emphasised that the parent confirmed to have coronavirus was not involved with the trip.

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He said: “No student or member of staff who went on the ski trip, has tested positive for Coronavirus. Last week, I chose to keep the school open following advice from the Government and Public Health England. Today, as I believe this confirmed case directly impacts on my students and staff. It is for this reason I am closing the school.”

“Hilbre High School will reopen when I am confident that there is no risk to students following today’s Coronavirus confirmation. Once I know the outcome to tests done on the students concerned, I will then be able to make an informed decision about when to reopen.”