COVID outbreaks in schools across Essex are causing major disruptions.

Essex County Council told the Gazette it is seeing an increase in positive cases in school children as cases in the UK reach their highest point in almost three months.

A spokesman for the council said: “We are seeing an increase in the numbers of cases in school children, particularly in secondary school children.

“Across Essex, outbreaks are being seen in schools.

“Each school impacted tends to see a rapid increase in cases followed shortly by a return to low numbers of cases.

“We expect to see this pattern continue in the coming months until a good proportion of school children have been vaccinated or the number of cases in the community have decreased.”

Official figures released yesterday revealed a record 111,000 pupils nationally missed school last week because they tested positive for Covid.

Department for Education data showed, in total, more than 200,000 children were absent due to Covid and self-isolation due to close contact last week.

Further statistics have shown fewer than a quarter of 12 to 15-year-olds have received their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine in Colchester.

Figures from the UK’s daily Covid dashboard show 2,132 young teenagers had received a first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine by October 17.

It equates to about 23 per cent of the age group. Of them, 0.4 per cent had received both doses of the vaccination.

Despite the spike in cases, the council offered reassurances children are “very unlikely” to get severely ill from the virus.

It said it is now ensuring children get the best education they can via in-person teaching.

The council added regular lateral flow testing was a “helpful” way to reduce the risk of large outbreaks.

Thurstable School in Tiptree has announced it has reintroduced face masks due to a spike in its Covid cases.

The school contacted parents asking pupils to begin wearing a face mask in all indoor areas once again after receiving 51 positive Covid tests over the weekend.