A PRIMARY school in North Yorkshire has temporarily closed after four members of staff tested positive for Covid-19.

Carlton-in-Snaith Community Primary School, in Carlton, near Selby, has shut with only children of identified frontline staff and keyworkers being allowed to attend.

Headteacher Jon Watson said the wellbeing, health and safety of pupils, staff and the wider community "have been the key focus of our action."

He commented: "Following a detailed risk assessment, I made the decision, with the full support of the governing body, on receipt of second positive Covid 19 test result, to close the school as precaution. This follows a partial closure on Monday, when we had one positive test result.

"I have been engaging with Public Health England/Health Protection Team, who have been guiding our response to this situation."

Dr Lincoln Sargeant, North Yorkshire's director of public health, said families would be contacted if their child was a close contact and told to self-isolate.

He said the decision to close a school is at the discretion of schools and their governors, taking into account their local circumstances.

"Please only get a test if you have symptoms or are instructed to by contact tracers," Dr Sargeant said.

Mr Watson added: "We are aware that local areas such as Selby and Snaith have had increased number of positive Covid-19 cases in recent days and weeks.

"We are very confident that we have done all we can to ensure pupils, parents and staff are safe as possible, by following all DfE guidance for the full opening of schools carefully and accurately."