Authorities have advised a Wirral secondary school to reopen after it closed today following confirmation that a pupil's parent has a confirmed case of coronavirus.

Hilbre High School in West Kirby closed at around midday on Tuesday after confirming that a parent of a pupil had contracted the virus.

In a statement released this afternoon, England’s Chief Medical Officer has announced a positive coronavirus case in Wirral.

Wirral Public Health can confirm that the case is a Wirral resident who became infected whilst in Italy. The patient has been transferred to a specialist unit for treatment.

This case is not linked to the group of repatriated guests who are currently in isolation at the accommodation block of Arrowe Park Hospital.

Julie Webster, Director of Public Health for Wirral Council said: “Wirral Council is working with Public Health England (PHE) and local health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Wirral are protected.

“When a person tests positive for coronavirus, PHE speaks to them to identify anyone who has had close contact with them during the time they are considered to be infectious and go all out to find these people as soon as possible and give them the advice they need.

“We are aware that Hilbre High School has taken the decision to close today. PHE have spoken to the school, assessed the risk and confirmed that there is currently no information to suggest that there is any increased health risk to any pupils, staff and families at this time, and therefore no public health reason to remain closed at the current time.

“If you haven’t been contacted by PHE you don’t need to do anything, other than follow the existing advice for the general public.”

According to Public Health England, good hygiene is the best prevention.

Julie Webster said: “There are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.

“If you have recently been to one of the affected countries and are feeling unwell, you should phone the NHS’s 111 helpline for further advice straight away – please don’t go to your doctor. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.”

Dr Will Welfare, Public Health England North West, said: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with one of the latest confirmed cases of COVID-19. The case is a resident of Wirral and became infected whilst in Italy.

“This case is not linked to the repatriated guests who are currently in the Arrowe Park Hospital facility and I’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low.

“Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed case. This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.”

The statement concludes: "Wirral Council, PHE and the NHS are well prepared to deal with coronavirus. If you haven’t been contacted by PHE you don’t need to do anything, other than follow the existing advice for the general public."