As the government enters its second phase of the response to the coronavirus outbreak, Boris Johnson said the UK is now moving from trying to contain the virus to delaying its spread.
One of the major announcements made yesterday is that all schools across the UK will close from Friday.
How does this affect you?
When schools close, many parents will have little choice but to take time off work to look after their children at home. The measures apply to state and private schools alike, nurseries and sixth-form colleges. The advice is to not ask grandparents to help with childcare, because of their vulnerability to the virus.
Schools have been drawing up homework packs and online resources to help parents home educate.
Without being able to provide immediate details, the government said it plans to provide a skeletal school service for parents who are key workers on the frontline of the national effort to stem the pandemic – including doctors, nurses, support workers and food delivery workers – so you as a clinician/support worker can stay at work.
Vulnerable children, those who have a social worker, and pupils entitled to special needs support will also be able to stay in school.
Where possible, specialist residential schools will continue to look after children and young people.
We will provide further details once these have been announced.