FOUR more North-East schools and two pubs have confirmed positive Covid-19 tests since the beginning of the week.

The affected schools, in County Durham and Teesside, have told affected children to self-isolate for 14 days.

Today, Outwood Academy Normanby told parents it was sending all Year 8 pupils home after positive Covid-19 test.

In a statement, the school said parents should remain in the visitors' car park while pupils make their way out of the school. 

It said: "As a precautionary measure, we are sending Year 8 home today until we receive guidance from Public Health, following a child in Year 8 receiving a positive Covid-19 test.

"We are now allowing Year 8 students to contact their parents via their mobile phones to confirm that they are able to make their way home safely, or if parents would prefer to collect them in person.

"Please do not just come to Reception, but remain in the visitor car park, in your car, as we need to continue to maintain social distancing where we can.

"If your Year 8 child does not have a mobile phone, we will ring you shortly. Our telephone lines will now be very busy."

It said that no other year groups are affected. 

Last night, The King's Academy in Coulby Newham confirmed a positive test of a Year 7 pupil, prompting the entire year group to self-isolate. 

A statement said: "We have found out today that there is a confirmed case of Covid-19 in Year 7."

It said all Year 7 pupils should self-isolate until Friday, September 18 in line with guidance from Public Health England. 

"Please note that this does NOT affect any other year groups," it added.

On Monday, Laurel Avenue Primary School in Durham told parents there had been a confirmed case of the virus in the school.

In a letter to parents, it said it had carried out a full assessment and identified those who had been in close contact with the affected case. 

Yesterday, Ormesby Primary School told its parents that all Year 5 pupis would need to self-isolate due to a confirmed case.

In an update, the school said no other year groups were affected by the positive Covid-19 test. 

Meanwhile, two restaurant venues in Tyne and Wear have reported new Covid-19 cases - with all taking the decision to temporarily close. 

On Monday, Rustica Trattoria and Inn in Sunderland will remain closed until September 14 after a positive case at the restaurant. 

Yesterday, the Three Horseshoes, Leamside, near Houghton-le-Spring, said a customer had tested positive for Covid-19.

It said it had closed for a deep clean but would be reopening today.

In North Yorkshire, Dr Lincoln Sargeant, Director of Public Health, said: “We know that the majority of recent infections appear to be among younger people, those under 30.

"Most of the cases are spread within households, and we are aware of a small number of outbreaks related to workplaces and the hospitality sector.

"A crucial step in controlling the spread of the virus is for people to limit unnecessary interactions with others.

"Avoid socialising outside of your social bubbles. In going about daily activities observe social distancing guidance and wear face coverings where it is not possible to maintain 2m social distance.

“We know some establishments have chosen to close as a precaution. We do not routinely recommend closure of a business unless this is necessary to prevent ongoing transmission linked to that business.

"However, some businesses may choose to close temporarily to implement additional safety measures, including cleaning, or because staff members are self-isolating.

"Where there are people testing positive, we work with our partners to provide specific advice to those businesses on the appropriate measures to take to prevent spread of the virus."