Two more cases of coronavirus have been confirmed at a school in Gateshead.
Last month, six positive Covid results were announced at St Thomas More Catholic School, in Blaydon - two each in Year 9, Year 11 and Year 13.
However, two more cases have now been revealed, affecting Year 7 and Year 9. All those identified as close contacts have been asked to self-isolate.
The rest of the school remains open and youngsters are asked to attend their classes as usual.
Parents were informed about the two new coronavirus cases in letters last week.
Headteacher Jonathan Parkinson wrote: "I am writing to inform you that there has been a confirmed case of Covid-19 within Year 7 here at St Thomas More Catholic School.
"I can assure you that we have followed all guidance issued to us by the local health protection team and acted accordingly.
"We are confident that we have identified the students who have come into contact with the confirmed case, and the parents / guardians of all affected students have been contacted.
"The students affected will not return to school until they have completed their isolation period in line with guidance."
All other students were urged to continue to attend school as long as they did not show symptoms of Covid-19, did not live with someone who had symptoms or had tested positive, and had not been told to isolate by NHS Test and Trace.
A large number of schools across the region have been affected by coronavirus. Some have asked year groups or bubbles to isolate at home, while others have had to temporarily close.
ChronicleLive carried out a survey last week and asked people if schools should be closed as the number of cases rises across the North East.
According to the results, 60% of readers thought schools should now be shut. Around 35% answered 'no' to that question and 5% said they were not sure.
More than half of people said schools should not have reopened at all in September.
