Updated: See the latest stories on the coronavirus outbreak.
UK schools are set to be closed down with just a skeleton operation for the children of NHS staff, the prime minister has signalled.
Boris Johnson told the Commons a decision on school closures was “imminent” as the government attempts to control the spread of coronavirus.
It came as devolved governments in Wales and
Scotland announced schools in the two nations would close for an early Easter break by Friday at the latest.
Speaking in the Commons, the PM suggested any steps taken by government would not force parents in the NHS to have to take time off work for childcare.
During prime minister’s questions (PMQs) on Wednesday, he said: “The House should expect further decisions to be taken imminently on schools and how to make sure that we square the circle of both making sure we stop the spread of the disease but also of making sure we relieve we much as we can pressure on our NHS.”
The
UK death toll from the disease reached 71 on Tuesday.
Announcing closures in Scotland from the end of the week, first minister Nicola Sturgeon said that schools had lost too many staff to continue as normal.
She added that she wanted to reassure teachers and staff and said the Scottish government was still working out the finer detail of what this will all mean.
Welsh education minister Kirsty Williams said the Welsh government was looking into how children on free school meals and with additional learning needs can be supported, and said parents should speak with their childcare providers for care over the extended break.
She said: “The announcement I am making today will help ensure an orderly closure for schools so that they have the time to prepare.
“However, I am conscious that the SAGE committee and Cobra meet this afternoon, and I will of course be listening closely to see if advice changes and any further urgent decisions about school closures are needed.
“Today’s decision will help ensure an orderly closure, so schools have time to prepare ahead of the early break.
“My main message for everyone is to stay safe and stay well. We will work together and we will face this outbreak together.”
She also said the Welsh government was still working to clarify what the school closures would mean for pupils with forthcoming examinations.
She said: “From the outset, the decisions being taken have been focused on public health advice, and it is right that these science-based recommendations are front and centre of the decisions being made.”
The UK government had faced increased pressure from parents calling on
Britain to follow other countries and close schools – with some opting to remove their own children against official guidance. This is a breaking news story and will be updated. Follow HuffPost UK on
Twitter here, and on
Facebook here.Related... What To Do This Mother’s Day If You’re Worried About Coronavirus No.10 'Does Not Expect' 8m To Be Hospitalised Due To Coronavirus How To Resist The Urge To Panic Buy Amid Coronavirus