BABIES born during the coronavirus pandemic will not be registered after birth.

Councils across Merseyside have stopped birth registrations after instructions from the Registrar General to help combat the spread of the virus.

Wirral, Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley and Halton councils all announced on their websites that registrations have stopped.

It is a legal requirement for parents to register a birth and should be done 42 days after the baby is born.

This should be done at a registry office in the district the child is born in and made in person either by both or one parent.

However, local authorities in Merseyside said all registrations have been cancelled for the foreseeable future due to coronavirus.

But parents and carers can make a claim for child benefit or Universal Credit prior to the birth being registered.

The closure of register offices across Merseyside also means weddings and civil partnership ceremonies have also been cancelled.

People in Merseyside can still register a death, however this service has also changed to comply with the governments instructions of social distancing.

Liverpool Council said if someone is attending an appointment to register a death, a maximum of two relatives will be allowed in to see the registrar – but from Tuesday, March 31 it will be doing this via phone until further notice.

Knowsley Council said a maximum of two people can visit the registry office but where possible only one person should attend.

In Halton only the informant is allowed to attend the office unless this person has a disability and needs assistance for this purpose.

Both Wirral and Sefton councils have said they are only registering deaths over the phone and will not be taking face-to-face appointments.

The news comes after Prime Minister, Boris Johnson said people must stay at home and can only leave for the following reasons: Shopping for basic necessities like food and medicine – but you should do this “as infrequently as possible” and use food delivery services “where you can.”

One form of exercise a day, such as a run, walk or cycle. This can be done alone or with members of your household.

Any medical need or to give care or to help a vulnerable person.

Travelling to and from work, but only if this is “absolutely necessary” and cannot be done from home.