Hundreds of pupils at a Newport school have been tested following a positive case of the Delta coronavirus variant, Newport council has confirmed.
Around 300 pupils at Bassaleg School have been offered priority testing for the virus after the case was detected in the school and pupils must now self-isolate.
It is the fifth period of self-isolation for the year group in question since last September.
On Monday, Public Health Wales has confirmed the numbers of Delta variant (VOC-21APR-02) cases increased to 315 across Wales. This is a rise of 131 cases since the last update given on June 10.
It means the variant is now the dominant strain of new cases of coronavirus in Wales and the case numbers are expected to rise further over the coming weeks.
A spokesperson for Newport council said: "Newport City Council is working closely with colleagues in Public Health Wales and Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, continuing to manage cases of Covid-19 within the city.
"The virus has not gone away. With restrictions being eased and concerns that the Delta variant spreads more easily than the previous strains most commonly found in the UK, our combined efforts are focused on limiting spread and trying to keep infection rates as low as possible.
"A recent positive case at Bassaleg School, confirmed as the Delta variant, prompted the agencies involved to take all possible steps to limit further spread.
"This included the offer of priority testing for all the relevant year group (approx. 300 pupils) and an extended isolation period of 14 days, based on the higher risk of transmission of this variant. These are measures being considered and implemented widely when variants of concern are identified.
"We continue to work closely with schools to ensure appropriate practices are in place to both protect students and school staff and effectively deliver a high standard of education.
"The impact that periods of self-isolation have on the individuals, their families, schools and education is very much recognised and all possible steps are taken to limit that impact, balanced with the urgent need to stop further spread of the virus.
"Unfortunately, this is the fifth period of self-isolation for this particular year group since September. In these situations, support and advice is available via the Gwent Test, Trace, Protect Service or via the school affected."
