CONFIRMED cases of Covid-19 continue to rise at a local secondary school.

Five people have now tested positive for the virus at Maiden Erlegh School, according to the latest letter to parents, the latest being a student.

It followed the previous announcement that four staff members had tested positive for coronavirus.

In the letter, headteacher Paul Gibson said: "We are now aware of five members of our school community who have tested positive for Covid-19. The latest case is that of a student."

The letter added: "The students who have been in direct prolonged contact with the confirmed cases will

have received an individual email in addition to this one and will be staying at home for

14 days from the initial contact."

The school remains open and anyone who has not received an email asking pupils to self-isolate should continue attending school as normal.

The Earley school is among a number of others across the county who have reported several positive coronavirus cases among staff and students since the return to schools.

Latest figures across the county for Covid-19 cases confirmed (as of 4pm on Sept 25) since the start of the pandemic, as follows:

Reading - 948

Bracknell - 499

Wokingham - 714

Slough - 913

Windsor & Maidenhead - 652

The daily cases confirmed yesterday, according to Public Health Berkshire;

Reading - 8

Bracknell - 2

Wokingham - 7

Slough - 23

Windsor & Maidenhead - 10