A number of cases of the Delta covid variant have been detected in schools in the city, Bristol City Council has said.
The news comes after it was revealed a total of 16 schools in Bristol were dealing with at least one covid case during half term.
Figures from Bristol City Council showed that, as of June 2, a total of 16 schools or early years settings had at least one case of COVID-19 among children or staff - which is an increase of 33 per cent in just under two weeks, with 12 schools in the city having at least one covid case on May 20.
Are you the parent of a child in a school that has been hit with an outbreak? Our reporter Estel would love to hear from you as we look into this issue in more depth. You can contact her directly on estel.farellroig@reachplc.com
Director for communities and public health for Bristol Christina Gray has now said cases of the Indian variant are being detected in families and younger people, which is having an impact on local schools.
She said: “We continue to see a number of cases of the Delta variant in Bristol (VOC-21APR-02, lineage B.1617).
"This variant is more infectious than previous strains and, combined with the process of ‘unlocking’, is driving the increase in infections we are seeing in Bristol.
"To date, there are no cases of severe disease or hospitalisation in relation to this variant, and many people who have tested positive do not have any symptoms. For those not feeling well, I wish you a speedy recovery.
“Cases are in families and younger people, which is having an impact on our local schools. Our Public Health teams are working closely with schools and Public Health England to identify and contain cases and to make sure that anyone required to self-isolate is doing so."
Public Health England (PHE) has previously said there have been 59 cases of the Indian variant recorded in Bristol.
Cases of the variant, now known as Delta, almost doubled in one week in our city - seven days earlier, 28 covid cases were identified.
Ms Gray continued: "Many of these cases have been identified through lateral flow (rapid), and as a precautionary measure, staff and students at affected schools are also being asked to take a PCR test.
"I want to thank everyone who has participated in testing programmes, I know this is disruptive for both schools and families.
“Thank you all once again for everything you are doing to keep Bristol safe.”
