ALMOST 70 per cent of asked parents backed calls to shut schools in the Covid fight.

In an Echo poll 69 per cent agreed with Labour Basildon Council boss Gavin Callaghan's demands to close schools.

The infection rate in Basildon has hit a new high of 290.6 after 544 new cases were confirmed in the latest seven-day period.

It is the highest number of new cases recorded in the borough since the pandemic began and has seen the area enter the “top 20” most affected areas in England.

Gavin Callaghan, Labour Basildon Council leader, acknowledged there was a problem and called for a special emphasis on people under 18.

In a letter to the count council he said: "I believe we should be encouraging schools to do the same as universities and end their winter term early.

"They would be able to continue to teach remotely and key workers' children would be able to attend school.

"By taking this action now and encouraging schools to close on December 11 we would give the borough two weeks whereby the most infected age group could self isolate in a controlled environment."

Andrew Baggott, leader of Basildon Conservatives said: "I do not agree with calls to the shut the schools. It's not Gavin Callaghan's calls to shut the schools and if we shut the schools this will be tier 3 and these calls are adding to confusion.

"Shutting schools would have an impact including that on education. My daughter is in school and is pleased to see her friends.

"There's no proof that children and young people are catching it in schools and I think it's more likely to be them catching it while out with friends.

"It's about people taking more responsibility and following the rules and parents being firmer with their children."