CORONAVIRUS cases have been recorded in 17 Hampshire schools in just three days, it has been revealed.

Seventeen schools in the Hampshire County Council area have reported coronavirus cases between October 12 and 14.

The council said the data are monitored daily.

But it did not confirm whether it is considering plans to close schools following the surge and what is the threshold that would trigger such a decision.

It comes as since the start of this academic year coronavirus cases were recorded in 46 of the 465 schools in the county council area.

Of the 17 schools which reported cases in the first three days of this week, seven were in Eastleigh, two in Gosport, two in the New Forest, one in Test Valley, one in Basingstoke, one in the Rushmoor area, one in Havant, one in East Hampshire and one in Hart.

More than 20 coronavirus patients are currently being treated in Hampshire hospitals

It has not been revealed whether these were individual cases or clusters.

Meanwhile, civic chiefs in Southampton said there have been 26 cases in city schools since the start of the academic year.

Residents with symptoms are being urged to isolate and get tested.

Dr Debbie Chase, interim director of public health at Southampton City Council, said: "We have had 26 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in schools in Southampton, which includes both staff and pupils. Cases involving pupils have been isolated cases rather than clusters of linked cases within the same classroom or year group.Although we have seen a relatively small number of cases in schools in Southampton, the general situation in the city over the last few weeks indicates that infections are beginning to increase. This is why it’s important that we all follow the guidance. I urge anyone that has symptoms to make sure they isolate along with members of their household and book a test as soon as possible.”

Both Hampshire and Southampton councils said they continue to support schools.

In a statement a spokesperson for the county council added: "Where positive cases arise in schools, we consult with headteachers to support their decision-making and communication to parents, with a focus on containing outbreaks through self-isolation of close contacts. A number of factors can affect the spread of infection, including geographical area, demographic profiles of residents within a particular district, and population behaviour. By continuing to follow national guidelines and observing the Rule of Six and ‘Hands, Face, Space’, we can all work together to help prevent the further spread of the virus and keep everyone safe.”