NEW Covid-19 cases have been recorded at schools in Barrow as health chiefs issued advice to parents on self-isolation.

Two new cases of the virus have been recorded among non-teaching staff at Furness Academy in Barrow.

It follows confirmation of case at Dowdales School in Dalton that led to year nine pupils being sent home.

Cumbria County Council said health bosses were supporting the schools following the positive cases of the virus.

In a letter to parents, Furness Academy headteacher Simon Laheny said the staff members who tested positive would be isolating for 14 days.

Cumbria’s public health team has told school leaders that the cases were transmitted in isolation and there was no cause further concern.

Dowdales School told parents on Tuesday that year nine pupils would be isolating as a result of the positive test.

In a communication addressed to parents and carers, it was detailed that year nine classrooms are now closed off and are being cleaned as per the school’s risk assessment.

The new cases were recorded as new advice was released to parents nationally by Public Health England and NHS Test and Trace.

Professor Viv Bennett and Dr Susan Hopkins said children should book a test for the virus if they have a high temperature, a new continuous cough and a loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste and not if they have a runny nose or are feeling unwell.

The pair explained: “No one else in the same class or bubble as the symptomatic person needs to take any action unless advised by the school. Schools have detailed guidance and access to a Department for Education and Public Health England helpline for advice and support.

"Contacts of a person who has tested positive must follow the guidance carefully and in full, which means they must stay at home for 14 days. “This is because it can take several days following contact with an infected person before an individual develops symptoms.” For more information go to nhs.uk/live-well/healthybody/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/