FIVE new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Middlesbrough where there has been a localised outbreak.

Middlesbrough Council was informed of the cases in the town on Saturday and is now working with Public Health England’s North East Health Protection Team to contact trace the positive tests which date from last Thursday.

The total number of cases in the localised outbreak has risen not to 33.

A council spokesman said: “Four of the new tests date from August 7 and one from August 5. The council and Public Health England’s North East Health Protection Team have started contact tracing work.

“At this stage it is believed the cases are linked to the cluster of 28 cases reported at the end of last week.”

A mobile testing unit has been set up in the Centuria South car park at Teesside University over the weekend and will be open tomorrow.

The regional testing site at the unused Sainsbury’s near the Riverside Stadium is also open daily.

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: “As you’d expect, we’re keeping a close eye on things.

“We’re being cautious but not panicking. We think these cases are linked to a small number of households via family and friends.

“We’ll keep everyone updated so we can protect people’s health and jobs.”

Close monitoring of new cases will continue and anyone with coronavirus symptoms, however mild, is urged to book a test online or by calling 119.

The symptoms of coronavirus are a new high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste