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.
