A NORTH-EAST school has told all parents and guardians that pupils are required to wear face coverings - as more schools across the region confirm new Covid-19 cases.

The Southmoor Academy in Sunderland told parents that face coverings are mandatory in communal areas and corridors on Wednesday.

It comes as more than 20 North-East schools have now confirmed positive Covid-19 tests amongst pupils and staff since the beginning of the week. 

In a message to parents, seen by The Northern Echo, the school said: "Dear parents / carers, from tomorrow, Wednesday 9th September face masks in corridors and communual areas will become COMPULSORY. 

"All students must bring a face mask to school with them as part of their essential equipment. If your child has a medical condition that means they cannot wear a face mask, you must contact the SENDCO so that we can complete a care plan."

Officialy government guidance on schools says that headteachers have the discretion to make face coverings mandatory for all secondary school pupils.

Under normal circumstances, a secondary school that is in an area under local lockdown restrictions must ask pupils to wear coverings in communual areas.

But Sunderland has seen a sharp rise in confirmed Covid-19 cases.

Earlier this week, Public Health England data showed the number of cases had increased by 387 per cent in the space of a week.

This prompted Sunderland’s Director of Public Health to issue a warning and reminders to those living in and around the city.

She said: "It’s really important that everyone acts responsibly and follows the public health guidance when outside of the home if we are to keep our community safe.

"The best way to help protect our families, friends and neighbours is to follow the basic rules of Hands, Face, Space – wash your hands for 20 seconds often, cover your face in public, stay 2 metres apart and stay at home if you have symptoms or are waiting for Covid test results."