A NORTH-EAST bus company has confirmed a number of its employees working at one depot have tested positive for coronavirus.

Arriva North East has said thirteen drivers working at its Jesmond depot, near Newcastle, tested positive for the virus and are now self-isolating.

In a statement, the firm said it was now working to address "inevitable disruption" to its bus network due to the staff shortages.

Towards the end of last year, Arriva confirmed a number of drivers working out of its Darlington depot had tested positive for the virus, prompting widespread cancellations.

SEE MORE: Claims at least five more drivers have tested positive for Covid at Arriva in Darlington

A spokesperson for Arriva North East said: “We can confirm that 13 of colleagues in Jesmond have tested positive for Covid-19. 

"We are fully supporting all colleagues who need to self-isolate as part of the NHS Test and Trace, or as advised by a public health professional.  

"The safety of our customers and colleagues is our number one priority and we are being guided every step of the way by expert organisations such as the Health and Safety Executive and Public Health  England.

"This has caused inevitable disruption to our bus network in Newcastle and we are working to address this as quickly as we can."

Arriva went on to say that its buses continue to be Covid secure and it employed an "enhanced cleaning regime", ensuring touch-point surfaces, on buses and in depots, are deep cleaned regularly.

The spokesperson added: "We will continue to follow all the latest guidance to keep our workspaces and buses Covid secure and our colleagues and customers safe. 

"Customers are advised to play their part by adhering to the law and wearing face coverings unless exempt.”