Schools across Leicestershire are being asked to urge parents and carers to wear face coverings at drop-off and pick-up.

Leicestershire County Council made the request in a regular update sent to headteachers today (Tues).

Ashby Willesley Primary School published the update on its website: "As infection rates continue to rise across the county, the Director of Public Health and the Director of Children and Family Services have requested that face coverings are worn by parents and carers at school pick up and drop off in Leicestershire.

"Cases are rising nationally, but there are particular areas of concern in the county, and public health officials are advising residents to be vigilant in all day-to-day activities.

"It has been difficult for some parents to maintain social distancing at school gates, and this further measure will help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

"The advice remains the same: keeping your distance, getting a test only if you have covid symptoms, washing your hands and wearing a face covering where required."

The school adds: "We recognise that some adults will be exempt from wearing a face covering, but we would encourage everyone else to do so with immediate effect."

Woodcote Primary School posted on its Facebook page this evening: "I'm so sorry for the late notice.

"We have just received an email from the local authority requesting that parents and carers wear masks at school drop off and collection to keep everyone safe.

"If you can wear a mask tomorrow, we'd be very grateful, although we do appreciate that it's late notice."

The Bilingual Day Nursery Ashby also posted tonight: "We've heard (but not received anything directly) that face coverings should be worn for collection/drop off in schools across Leicestershire from tomorrow.

"We haven't been instructed that this applies to nursery - but as a precaution until we hear further if you are able to wear a mask please do."