A BUS driver working in Darlington has tested positive for Covid-19 and is now self-isolating, Arriva North East has confirmed. 

The bus driver, who works from the Faverdale depot, is understood to have tested positive for the virus earlier this week.

Gavin Peace, Area Managing Director for Arriva, said the affected individual was an isolated case and said it was not deemed as an outbreak. 

Mr Peace said the firm was 'continuing to follow' Government guidance in keeping its workspaces and buses Covid-secure.

He said: "The safety of our customers and colleagues is Arriva’s number one priority.

"We are being guided every step of the way by expert organisations such as the Health and Safety Executive and Public Health England.

"We can confirm that a colleague has tested positive for Covid-19 and in line with NHS Test and Trace we are fully supporting any colleagues who may be requested to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or a public health professional.

"This is an isolated case and is not deemed as an outbreak of Covid-19. We will continue to follow all the latest guidance to keep our workspaces and buses Covid-19 secure and our colleagues and customers safe." 

Earlier this week, Arriva North East addressed a number of queries from parents and guardians following the return of dedicated school bus services.

On social media, the firm confirmed that it was asking pupils to maintain social distancing and said seats behind drivers would be taped off.

The statement said: "We’ve had several queries regarding our dedicated school bus services, so we wanted to reassure you that we are working in line with government guidelines.

"Where possible, we are asking pupils to maintain social distancing however, capacity on these buses will be increased allowing all available space to be used.

"The seats behind the driver and any facing each other will be taped off and should not be used.

"Pupils travelling with those from another school are asked to sit with those from their own school, ideally from their own year group.

"All pupils over the age of 11 should wear a face covering, exemptions apply.

"Pupils should also carry hand sanitiser with them and use it before getting on and off the bus wherever possible. We thank you for your cooperation."