Pupils over the age of 11 and staff should wear face coverings in communal areas when Preston schools reopen.

Lancashire County Council has announced the extra precaution for areas where stricter local lockdown measures are in place.

However, government guidance confirms that face coverings should not be worn in classrooms and some pupils will be exempt from wearing face coverings due to specific needs and difficulties.

Parents and carers will need to provide the face coverings.

Read more: Preston’s high school students celebrate GCSE results day success

County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: “I would like to personally thank parents for their patience, understanding and cooperation during what has certainly been an incredibly difficult and unprecedented time.

“I know that schools and colleges are ready and waiting to get back to teaching, with the right protective measures in place.

“As the start of term approaches, I would like to encourage parents to think about the practicalities of returning to school, whether that’s finding out as much information as possible to reassure themselves that school is the best place for their child to be, or planning the school run to avoid public transport where possible.”

New requirements relating to regular handwashing, hand sanitising and social distancing between staff and pupils will continue to be followed.

Staff will also be adhering to these themselves and ensuring that pupils do the same.

Schools will look and feel different when the new term starts because of some of the measures that have been put in place to manage the risks that remain from coronavirus.

Arrangements include an enhanced cleaning programme, additional signage and one-way systems where necessary.

Every school has carried out comprehensive health and safety risk assessments as part of their planning for the return of pupils to make sure that everyone is safe in school.

Read more: Uniform bank launches to help clothe Preston’s school children

Schools may also introduce new processes for drop off and collection, which will help keep groups apart as they arrive and leave school.

Lancashire County Council says the reopening of schools and settings will be monitored extremely closely, and local arrangements will be put in place as required.

Parents are advised that pupils should not attend school if they or any member of their household has any Covid-19 symptoms.

Read more: Latest news and updates from Blog Preston

How do you feel about wearing a face covering? Let us know in the comments below.