TWO classes and a number of staff at a primary school in Colchester are self-isolating after positive Covid-19 tests.

A number of pupils at North Primary School, in John Harper Street, were sent home after two pupils returned a positive test.

They are now being taught remotely and will return to school after the half term break.

Classes from Year 2 and Year 5 are now self-isolating.

Nine members of staff, including teachers and support staff, who came into contact with the children have also been told to self-isolate.

Headteacher Alan Garnett said: “This means they will all be confined to their homes through next week and the start of the school holiday.

“I am pleased to report we have had no further positive cases of children or staff in school.

“We are hoping to get to half term with all remaining classes enjoying their education.

“I am sorry for the students and staff who are now isolating particularly as it will cover part of the holidays.”

Mr Garnett said the children who had returned positive tests were “not feeling too poorly”.

Read more >> Map shows latest Covid-19 hotspots in Colchester

The latest confirmed case in a school came as the coronavirus infection rate in Colchester hit 96 cases per 100,000 people with 187 new cases confirmed.

In the week previously the rate was 58.5.

The figures, for the seven days to October 16, show the rate in Tendring is now 96.9 cases per 100,000 people with 142 new cases.

A map highlighting coronavirus hotspots across the area by colour coding them according to the infection rate has shown the worst affected areas.

The data is for the week leading up to October 14.

In Colchester central Colchester had the most new cases confirmed with 22.

Abbey Field was next with 17 while Monkwick had 11.