NEW figures show 8,000 people from 70 different schools in Worcestershire have now been affected by coronavirus.

Worcestershire County Council told the Worcester News yesterday (Tuesday, November 17) that there were 163 'bubbles' collapsed or partially collapsed in 70 schools, with 8,129 pupils and staff affected.

This is a huge increase on last week's figures, which stated that as of November 10 there were 70 bubbles/partial bubbles closed in 40 schools with 3,360 pupils and staff affected.

The latest school to be affected by coronavirus is Nunnery Wood Primary School in Prestwich Avenue.

A member of staff at the school confirmed year groups one and four were closed due to a case and there was also a bubble of office staff self-isolating.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, director for public health for Worcestershire, said: “A number of individuals from Nunnery Wood Primary School have tested positive for Covid-19.

“The cases have been quickly identified, and the school is being supported by Public Health. Additional measures have been put in place to protect the school and help minimise any further disruption.

“Close contacts have been identified and traced, they are now also self-isolating for 14 days in line with guidance and will continue their learning through remote access.”

Dawn Weston, who has a child at the school, was told not to bring them in due to their year group being affected.

Ms Weston said: “I feel for the schools, they are doing as they are told. But, at this rate, there will be no kids in school at all.”

The county council has now recommended all parents and carers wear masks when on the school run, and the government has said pupils in year 7 and above should wear face masks while moving around school - but not while in their classes.