PARENTS in Wirral have been told they must wear face coverings when picking their children up from school.

In a letter seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Julie Webster, director for public health in the borough, said: "I am writing to all schools in Wirral today to ask that parents and carers take extra care as Wirral’s coronavirus cases continue to rise.

“The number of people with coronavirus has increased dramatically since the end of August and remains high.”

“We are asking you as parents and carers to wear a face covering at school pickup/drop-off points, but your children will only be expected to wear face coverings indoors in communal areas of secondary schools.”

Of course some parents are exempt from the rules due to medical conditions, but Ms Webster reminded them that they must respect social distancing.

She also reminded other parents that wearing a face covering is not a replacement for social distancing.

Explaining the decision, Ms Webster said: “The focus on adults is due to the unavoidable congestion that is happening at some school pick-up/drop-off points and the higher risk of Covid-19 transmission from adult to adult, which is not replicated amongst children.

“As part of the increased measures for schools, members of school staff who oversee drop-off and collection times will also be required to wear a face covering.”

Several schools in Wirral have also been hit by coronavirus since their full return earlier this month.

Woodchurch High School, Co-op Academy Bebington, The Mosslands School, St Mary’s Catholic College, Lingham Primary School and St John’s Catholic Junior School have all been affected.

It is understood that infections have also been confirmed at Ridgeway High School, Brackenwood Infant School and Bidston Village Primary School.

Due to the surging rate of coronavirus infections across Merseyside, an announcement on tighter restrictions for the whole region is expected today.

Yesterday, new rules to tackle Covid-19 in the North East of England were announced. The restrictions include limits on households mixing and pubs and restaurants being forced to close at 10pm.