18 March 2020

Schools across UK will shut from Friday and May's exams will not take place

The decision to close schools in England finally came today after a week of the Government facing constant questions about 'when' rather than 'if'.

The Prime Minister confirmed the move at his daily coronavirus briefing almost simultaneously with the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announcing it was to happen in the Commons.

Earlier, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales had announced the same measures.

MrWilliamson said: “After schools shut their gates on Friday afternoon they will remain closed until further notice.

 “This will be for all children except those of key workers and where children who are most vulnerable.”

 He added: “I’ve said before that if the science and the advice changed, such that keeping schools open would no longer be in the best interest of children and teachers, that we would act – we are now at that stage."

Moments later, Boris Johnson, said: "We think now that we must apply further downward pressure on that upward curve by closing the schools.

"We believe that the steps we have already taken, together with those I am announcing today, are already slowing the spread of the disease. But we will not hesitate to go further and faster in the days and weeks ahead and we will do whatever it takes so that we beat it together.”

The Prime Minister said GCSE and A-level exams would not be held in May, but the Government would ensure students get the qualifications they need.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “As schools and nurseries close, lots of mums and dads will have no choice but to take time off work. They must be guaranteed paid parental leave.

“The Government must do whatever it takes to protect working families.”

It was also confirmed that the UK death toll had risen to 104 as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases had hit 2,626. 

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