It has been announced UK schools will officially be closed from Friday until further notice in response to the spreading coronavirus.
The news was first broken by the education secretary, Gavin Williamson, in the House of Commons earlier today (March 18).
Speaking to MPs, Williamson said: “I want to provide parents, students and staff with the certainty they need.
“After schools shut their gates on Friday afternoon, they will remain closed until further notice.
“This will be for all children, except for those of key workers and children who are most vulnerable.”
In a press conference shortly after, Boris Johnson announced the news once again, also confirming that May and June exams would be cancelled – affecting those sitting SATs, GCSEs and A Levels.
Johnson added: “We will make sure their progress will not be impeded. We will make sure they will in time get the qualifications they need.”
The closing of schools comes after the number of cases in the UK rose to 2,626 while the death toll currently stands at 104.