THREE schools across south Essex have confirmed issues of Covid-19 in the past week.

The Echo reported this week that schools in Rayleigh, Hockley and Canvey have had issues with the virus, with members or staff and relatives of pupils testing postive for the virus.

The first issue took place at Sweyne Park School in Rayleigh where a member of staff tested positive.

Headteacher Katharine Dines has confirmed the school will remain open, but the pupils and colleagues in their bubble of children and staff have been sent home to isolate for 14 days.

The Echo has been told a female teacher has tested positive, with 30 pupils sent home on Tuesday.

The second incident happened at Jelly Beans montessori nursery, in Hockley, on the same day.

The nursery on Southend Road was closed for a deep clean on Tuesday and reopened Wednesday after a family member of a pupil tested positive for the virus.

In a letter to parents, Sarah Drummond, the founder and director of the nursery, said only a "small number of children" have come into contact the family members who tested positive.

Several other members of staff are self-isolating.

The third incident happened at Castle View School on Canvey.

A member of staff in the PE department became unwell during a teacher training day, and subsequently tested positive for the virus.

Headteacher Steve Durkin confirmed the staff member had not come into contact with any pupils and that all people they came into contact with have since tested negative.

The pupils faced some timetable alterations to PE, but otherwise the school has remained open.