FACE coverings will become mandatory on all home to school transport in Worcestershire from tomorrow.

The changes will be coming into force from Tuesday, October 6 to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Worcestershire County Council is working with schools to ensure they will have a supply of face coverings for those pupils who do not currently have a face covering and these will be available to pick up from school.

Children under the age of 11 will be exempt and the council will follow the same national guidance that is in place for public transport.

Councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member with responsibility for education and skills, said: “Every part of life has been adapted to become Covid secure and the school day is no different.

"Our schools, pupils, staff and students have really done us proud during the pandemic, rising to every challenge put in front of them, adapting to changes at home, in the community and at school or college.

"We recognise that most young people have been using face coverings on their journey to school but now we need to ensure that all young people unless exempt are wearing face coverings on transport.

"Coming together and wearing a face covering and keeping to the Hands, Face, Space guidance is a vital way we can all play our part in reducing the number of cases in the county.”

For more information, visit the school transport section of the council website here.