THE number of school pupils needing to isolate from COVID-19 in Wrexham has skyrocketed since last week, new figures show.

Wrexham Council reports that schools right across the county borough have seen an increase in the number of pupils and staff required to isolate.

As of midday on July 9, there are more than 4,200 students staying at home due to the virus entering their classrooms.

This is an increase of more than 1,500 compared to last Friday, July 2, when just over 2,670 pupils had been forced to stay at home.

Meanwhile, more than 140 school staff members across the county are in isolation too.

A full list of figures has been provided below:

STAFF

• Current Staff in Isolation - 146 (compared to last Friday with 120)

• Current Staff Tested Positive - 13 (compared to last Friday with 11 positive cases)

PUPILS

• Pupils in Isolation – 4,222 (compared to last Friday with 2,672 isolating)

• Current Pupils Tested Positive - 108 (compared to last Friday with 51 positive cases)

SCHOOLS

• Number of Schools with bubble closures - 25

• Number of actual class bubble closures - 46

• Number of schools with current positive cases reported - 30

The council says that schools are continuing to work very hard to manage this situation as it develops.

A spokesman said: “They are working to the Welsh Government Operational Guidance and have robust risk assessments in place. They have also taken necessary measures to reduce or cancel additional planned activities.

“The support of parents is greatly appreciated with most understanding that we still need to be vigilant in order to protect our young people and in particular those that may be more vulnerable to the effects of the virus.

“Unfortunately, school leaders have been very frustrated by the behaviour of some parents who believe that it is acceptable to carry on normally whilst awaiting test results. In some cases they have sent pupils into school who rather predictably have subsequently tested positive and impacted negatively on their bubble.”

How to help keep schools safe:

If you’re a parent, you can help keep Wrexham schools safe and free from disruption by sticking to the guidelines:

• Avoid sharing lifts with other households where possible.

• Don’t hang about at the school gates.

• Don’t send them to school if anyone else at home has symptoms (isolate and get a test).

• Don’t send your child to school if they have symptoms (isolate and get a test)

• Make sure your child has a mask if they need one.