More drivers at a bus company have tested positive for COVID-19.

Arriva confirmed more of their staff at its depot in Northfleet had caught coronavirus.

It comes as it was criticised earlier this week when one driver tested positive for the virus on Tuesday.

Unite, which represent more than 60,000 bus drivers in the UK, slammed Arriva for not telling colleagues and passengers "swiftly" about the individual.

However, the company's area managing director Simon Finnie hit back, saying it has followed government guidance "every step of the way".

He said: "I can confirm that a small number of colleagues from our Northfleet Depot have tested positive for Covid-19.

"Throughout the pandemic we have followed government guidance every step of the way and implemented measures in consultation with health and safety experts to ensure our workspace and vehicles are Covid secure.

"As a result of these positive tests, we are working in partnership with Public Health England (PHE) South East who are providing advice and support to us."

He added the company's buses "continue be Covid secure" and they have increase their cleaning regime to ensure all touch-point surfaces on their vehicles and at depots are regularly deep cleaned.

Health protection consultant for PHE South East, Dr Claire Winslade, added: “We are working closely with Arriva, Kent County Council and NHS partners to provide public health advice and help stop the spread of the virus.

"The company has been advised to continue to take appropriate public health measures to ensure it is safe for other staff to attend as normal."

Earlier this week, when it was revealed one driver had contracted the virus, Unite union claimed the worker spent nearly an hour with staff in the canteen and on a ferry bus the day before he tested positive.

“The lax attitude of Arriva to this Covid-19 positive case is alarming."

It went on to say it advised Arriva to tell the eight to 10 people, who were thought to be in contact with the driver, to self isolate while on full pay, but claim Arriva rejected this idea due its premises being "Covid secure".

Unite regional officer Dave Weeks said: “The lax attitude of Arriva to this Covid-19 positive case is alarming. It means that potentially other workers and the general public are now at greater risk of exposure to the infection.

“The drivers at Northfleet now believe that management are not interested in their health and well-being and are more interested in profits than people.

“What made the case even more alarming is that Arriva’s senior management did not appear to know what policy and procedures should be followed in such circumstances.

“Arriva has to up its game. It must ensure that drivers have not been exposed to Covid-19 and that they are not potentially spreading it.

"Further, any worker who has been exposed to the virus in the workplace should be fully supported by their employer to take the appropriate public health precautions, and not suffer a financial penalty as a result.

“Unless companies take a responsible attitude and ensure that workers can self-isolate and are fully paid, then workplace transmission of Covid-19 is going to increase."

It is thought at least three staff at the Northfleet branch have been infected, but Arriva declined to comment on the total number.

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend