AN outbreak of coronavirus cases at a bus depot has left a number of staff in self-isolation.

Several staff members working at A Stagecoach bus depot have been affected and are currently self-isolating.

The bus company said there was 'no evidence' of transmission of the virus around the site and services would run as normal.

As many as 18 members of staff are said to be isolating.

A spokeswoman for Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire said there had been a 'small' number of employees at the depot in Walney Road in Barrow who were self-isolating due to the positive cases.

"The safety and well-being of our employees and customers is our first priority and we have strict protocols in place around the management of Covid-19," she said.

"We have a small number of employees from Barrow depot who are now self-isolating in line with government guidance. Services are unaffected and will continue to run as planned.

"There is currently no evidence of any workplace transmission and our staff are adhering to the government regulations and our own guidance around protecting their safety at work.

"We remain incredibly proud of the professional job all transport workers are doing at this time to ensure essential travel can continue. We are continuing to work closely with the public health authorities and other organisations to keep our people and customers safe."

Similar outbreaks have previously been recorded at Stagecoach depots elsewhere in Cumbria.

In December it was claimed that eight drivers at the firm's Kendal depot tested positive for the virus and in Whitehaven an outbreak was confirmed in October.

A slight reduction in Stagecoach services in Cumbria will come into effect on Monday, it was previously announced.

From Monday to Saturday in Barrow, the 1, 2 and 3 services will become half-hourly, and the 6 hourly. The X6 is unchanged.

Rob Jones, managing director of Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire, said: “We are maintaining links for key workers and those that have to travel.

“Obviously the situation is not ideal, but safety is our number one concern. We ask that passengers only travel when necessary."