Two primary schools in the North East have been forced to close after a suspected norovirus outbreak affected hundreds of pupils and staff. St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Jarrow and St Mark's Church of England School in Stockton have been shut for a second day.
The schools reported that many individuals experienced vomiting and diarrhoea, leading to the decision to close for a 'deep clean'. Both schools have issued statements confirming they will reopen on Monday.
A spokesperson for Public Health England advised that anyone with symptoms should stay away from work or school until they have been symptom-free for 48 hours. They emphasised the importance of thorough handwashing, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
Norovirus, often called the 'winter vomiting bug', is the most common cause of stomach bugs in the UK, affecting all ages. Symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after infection and include sudden nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. The illness is usually not serious, and most people recover within one to two days.
