Parents are still being encouraged to test their household and any children aged 11+ for Covid-19 twice a week, to help minimise disruption and keep schools open.

As schools return for the summer term, parents are being reminded that they can collect free lateral flow tests from either a government testing centre, or one of Staffordshire County Council's community testing centres.

Twice-weekly testing allows schools to determine quickly whether they need to isolate classes, and minimise the risk of any further potential spread. All positive lateral flow tests will need to get a PCR test to confirm the result.

Added to this, the government confirmed that face coverings must be worn by secondary school pupils in the new term. This rule will stay in place until at least 17 May.

Dr Richard Harling, Director for Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council said: "It's great to see schools opening their doors for the summer term, and we must do everything we can to ensure those doors stay open.

"This means twice-weekly testing of households and children aged 11+, so we can determine cases quickly, isolate them, and prevent further spread and disruption in schools.

"I would also ask that any positive test is reported to the school as soon as possible. This will ensure they can make decisions about isolating pupils quickly, and prevent any further spread of the virus in school.

"Our schools and their pupils have coped incredibly well with the changes the pandemic has brought about, and we all need to do everything we can to prevent any further disruption.

"By working together, we can ensure Covid-19 stays out of our schools, so our children can get on with the business of learning."