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Coronavirus: Schools in Wales all closing by Friday | Coronavirus: Schools in Wales all closing by Friday |
(32 minutes later) | |
All schools in Wales will close by Friday at the latest in response to the coronavirus outbreak, the Welsh Government has announced. | All schools in Wales will close by Friday at the latest in response to the coronavirus outbreak, the Welsh Government has announced. |
The country's Education Minister Kirsty Williams said she was bringing forward the Easter break. | |
It comes as Scotland took similar steps with all schools and nurseries there closing from the end of the week and may not reopen before summer. | |
There is an estimated 200,000 cases of coronavirus across the globe. | |
"Today's decision will help ensure an orderly closure, so schools have time to prepare," said Ms Williams. | |
Childcare centres are expected to remain open until advice is given to close them, Ms Williams added. | |
Headteachers body NAHT Cymru welcomed the announcement and said details of how schools can support vulnerable children and children of key workers were "yet to be finalised". | |
The announcement was made almost simultaneously with the Scottish Government's decision that schools are expected to shut by the end of the week. | |
Ms Williams said from next week, schools would have a "new purpose". | |
"They will help support those most in need, including people involved in the immediate response to the coronavirus outbreak," she added. | |
"I am working with my colleagues in the cabinet, with government officials and our partners in local government to develop and finalise these plans." | |
No announcement was made on exams, however Ms Williams said she would seek to clarify the situation "with urgency". | |
She said further details on exams would be made "shortly". |