A NUMBER of Covid-19 measures are set to be in place as Southampton students head back to school this week.

Schools across the city will reopen on today.

According to new government guidance face coverings are no longer required for pupils and staff.

But face masks are still recommended when using public transport to and from school.

Southampton City Council said that at the start of term, schools in the city will carry out two rapid flow tests on the school premises for each person but after this “tests should continue at home”.

It comes as secondary school pupils and college students are encouraged to continue taking lateral flow tests twice a week.

The authority has also confirmed that each school will carry out regular Covid-19 risk assessments and “may recommend additional precautionary measures” such as staggering school start times.

Schools will advise parents and carers directly if there are any further measures they need to be aware of for their child, the council said.

The authority added: “Southampton City Council’s director of public health and head of education are working with partners to review our approach in the coming school term.  Working collaboratively with headteachers, we will identify any additional support required in the event of a significant number of Covid-19 cases occurring within a school, balancing the need to reduce the risk of transmission with minimising the disruption to children and young people’s education.”

It comes as over the last seven days 763 Covid cases were recorded in the city  and  93 people were admitted to hospital.

Cllr James Baillie, cabinet member for education at the city council, said: “We know that children and young people are looking forward to returning to school and that education staff are eager to welcome them back.  With the autumn term almost upon us, the priority for Southampton City Council and all education settings is to ensure that pupils can safely return to learning in the classroom. Protective measures will remain in place for the autumn term in all education settings.”