A NORTH-EAST bus company has confirmed a number of drivers at its Durham depot have tested positive for Covid.

Arriva North East confirmed three drivers at its depot on the Belmont Industrial Estate, near Durham, had tested positive for the virus.

It comes as almost 30 services operated by the depot were unable to run on Thursday due to operational difficulties caused by "staff sickness."

The firm had originally said 13 people had tested positive for the virus at the depot, but have since said this number stands at three.

Arriva North East said its buses continue to be "Covid secure" and that it is following latest guidance.

A spokesperson for the firm said: “We can confirm that three colleagues in Durham 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 Durham however we are aiming to lessen the impact by missing services that are high frequency throughout the day."

Arriva said it had adopted an enhanced cleaning regime, with all touch-point surfaces on its buses and in our depots, regularly deep cleaned.  

It said its drivers sit behind screens wich separate them from customers, and passenger seats within two meters of the driving cab are not in use. 

The firm added: "We will continue to follow all the latest guidance to keep our workspaces and buses Covid-19 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."