A pupil from a high school has tested positive for coronavirus, it has been revealed.
Longbenton High School, on Hailsham Avenue, in North Tyneside, has sent letters to parents and carers confirming there had been a positive case of Covid-19.
Families were informed this was a "community transmission case" and that the youngster was last in school on September 3. The student and their close contacts are now self-isolating.
In the letter, sent out on Friday, headteacher Kelly Holbrook said: "I have been in touch with Public Health England this afternoon, as we have had confirmation that a student has tested positive for Covid-19.
"As you know, we have a rigorous system of controls in place in school, including students operating in 'bubbles', enhanced hygiene, the use of face coverings for everyone moving around the building, and seating plans for every lesson.
"The student who has tested positive was last in school on Thursday 3rd September and we have been able to effectively identify the contacts the student has had.
"They and their close contacts will now be isolating at home for the required period."
The letter further says that a close contact is defined as any person who, during the infectious period, has had any of the following exposures:
- A person who lives with or spends significant time in the same household as a confirmed case of coronavirus
- Having direct face-to-face contact or direct physical contact with a confirmed case for any length of time
- Being less than 1m from a confirmed case for 1 minute or longer
- Being less than 2m from a confirmed case for more than 15 mins
- Travelling in a small vehicle with a confirmed case
Ms Holbrook added: "We know that you may find this worrying, but please be assured that our systems are working effectively and your child is not at any increased risk.
"Students have been excellent this week at following our protocols around hand sanitiser, face masks and social distancing and we are satisfied that this was a community transmission case."
A number of schools across the North East have had confirmed cases of coronavirus since they reopened earlier this month.
In some cases, schools have been able to continue operating after following Government procedures, others have asked particular year groups or 'bubbles' to isolate but some have had to fully close.
