As children head back to school next week parents are being urged to do all they can to help themselves and their children prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Undertaking lateral flow testing twice a week, maintaining social distancing and wearing face masks on the school run can all help to keep the numbers down. Catherine Driscoll, director of children’s services, said:

"We need to do all we can to prevent a spike in numbers when children return to school next week after the Easter holidays. Testing is critical, especially given one in three who test positive do not have any symptoms.

"I would encourage both parents and children to be doing lateral flow tests twice a week. They are free and easily available, and produce a quick positive or negative result within half an hour.

"If your child’s bubble is sent home from school because of a positive case make sure they isolate, even if they are not displaying symptoms. Outside of school, make sure yourself and your children are only meeting with people outdoors and within the government guidelines."

By working together and doing the right things, we can ensure we return to some kind of normality as quickly as possible. Information on how to obtain free lateral flow testing kits is available at dudley.gov.uk.