School open despite Covid case reports

Sunderland City Council have confirmed that a “small number” of Covid cases have been recorded at Southmoor Academy.

It is unknown if the affected cases are among pupils, staff or both, or how many people are affected.

The council has said that the school is currently working closely with Sunderland Public Health on the matter. The school currently remains open to pupils and they should continue to attend school as normal unless instructed otherwise, a council spokesperson added.

Sunderland City Council has reminded those working in or attending school that extra Covid testing is available.

A Sunderland City Council spokesperson said: “Whenever schools, academies or colleges have had a member of staff or a student that has tested positive, they have been able to access support and guidance from the Sunderland Public Health team.

“Access to testing for people without symptoms continues to expand and now adults in households with people who work at or attend primary school, secondary school or college are able to test themselves at home twice a week with lateral flow tests.

"Everyone who is eligible for regular testing is encouraged to take up this opportunity, as it is important to remember that Covid has not gone away.

"A small number of positive cases have been identified at Southmoor Academy with the extra testing and the academy continues to work closely with public health and follow all the necessary guidance."