Covid: School closures amid calls for caution and masks for pupils over rapid rise of delta variant

North East leaders are urging people to act with caution and are calling for face coverings to be reintroduced in schools over a rapid rise in the delta variant.

The LA7 said on Wednesday, June 23, it was “extremely concerned” by the quick-spreading Covid-19 cases and warned action must be taken if the region is to remain open.

It is calling for the region’s residents to follow safety guidance while also seeking power at local level to allow the reintroduction of face coverings in schools until the end of term.

Three schools have closed in County Durham including one where more than a dozen positive cases have been identified among staff and pupils.

'Personal responsibility'

In a statement, the LA7 said: “If we are to keep the North East open and see the remaining restrictions lifted, then we need resilience more than ever before.

“Whether it be Euro2020, school sports days or proms, outdoor events or indoor dining, weddings, celebrations or even just meeting family and friends in gardens and homes – we all need to enjoy each occasion safely, take a personal responsibility to follow the guidance and not provide the virus with easy ways to transmit.

“We are in charge of our own destiny and we must continue to follow the simple message hands, face, space fresh air, while working from home if possible and minimising social contact.”

The LA7 covers Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, South and North Tyneside, Northumberland and Durham.

It said the volume of vaccination bookings and uptake among younger people had been “heartening” but urged people of all ages to ensure they get both doses.

A 'pop-up' service in Newcastle is making it easier for under 30s to get their Covid-19 vaccination

The LA7 added: “Let us be clear, we are extremely concerned at the situation the region is facing, but we are also confident, given the way everyone has responded, that we can get through this difficult period by working together at a national, regional and local level.”

The body also wants more local NHS Test and Trace support to drive down case numbers.

School closure

Calls come as three schools have closed their doors in County Durham.

Framwellgate School Durham was forced to close after 12 pupils and five staff tested positive for Covid-19.

On social media the school said it had 300 pupils and eight teachers self-isolating after being identified as close contacts.

It said: "We know that many parents and carers will be worried and this of course is a decision that we did not make lightly."

The school closed on Tuesday, June 22, and will remain closed for the rest of the week.

St Joseph's RCVA Primary School in Stanley also closed on Tuesday over a rise in positive cases, according to Durham County Council.

Meanwhile Lanchester Endowed Parochial Primary School closed on Wednesday due to "increased Covid cases and numbers needing to isolate".

All three schools are due to reopen on Monday.