SEVERAL more North-East schools have confirmed positive Covid-19 cases - with two in Durham City affected.

St Leonard's School on North Road, and Framwellgate School, have both confirmed coronavirus cases within the schools.

Meanwhile, three further schools in the Tyne and Wear area have had to close to some year groups following positive cases. 

In a letter sent to parents over the weekend, seen by The Northern Echo, St Leonard's confirmed it had seen a positive case.

It said: "Emails have been sent to parents outlining that we have a case of Covid-19. Year 11 & pupils on bus SL05 to self-isolate. All other pupils can return on Monday."

In a letter to parents with pupils at Framwellgate School, also seen by The Echo, the school also confirmed a positive case.

It said it had identified all those who had been in close contact with the affected individual, and said they were now self-isolating for 14 days.

On Friday, Fatield Academy in Washington and Barnwell Academy in Houghton-le-Spring closed to Year 6 and Year 4 students respectively.

St Patrick’s School in Ryhope, near Sunderland, confirmed it had closed for one day after a positive Covid-19 case.

In a statement to parents and carers on Wednesday, it said: "The school was deep-cleaned yesterday by a professional team from the local authority.

"As communicated, we were planning to reopen today for children in Years 1 to 6, with Reception children returning on Monday 21st September.

"However, following confirmation of a further Covid case yesterday evening, it was necessary to also isolate the Year 1 and 2 class bubble.

"Therefore, today we have reopened for children in Years 3 to 6, following discussions with public health agencies and the local authority.

"The school is as safe as it possibly can be following yesterday’s deep-clean and with staff and pupils continuing to follow a variety of health and safety measures."

It comes as a Middlesbrough Primary School became the first in the North-East to close for 14 days following five positive tests.

READ MORE: Middlesbrough school first to CLOSE in North-East after 5 Covid cases