Schools across Bath and North East Somerset set to close indefinitely

Schools across the Bath and North East Somerset area will be closed indefinitely for the majority of children from Friday afternoon, as part of new measures to counter the coronavirus pandemic.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the announcement yesterday afternoon, Wednesday 18th March, saying: “Looking at the curve of the disease and looking at where we are now – we think now that we must apply downward pressure, further downward pressure on that upward curve by closing the schools.

“After schools shut their gates from Friday afternoon, they will remain closed for most pupils – for the vast majority of pupils – until further notice.

“The objective is to slow the spread of the virus and we judge it is the right moment to do that.”

Schools across the country will close to the majority, except for looking after the children of key workers and vulnerable children.

Exams planned to take place in May and June will not go ahead.

Private schools, nurseries and independent sixth form colleges have also been told to follow government advice to close their doors.

Mr Johnson continued: “I also need to remind parents that, as we have already advised, children should not be left with older grandparents, or older relatives, who may be particularly vulnerable or fall into some of the vulnerable groups and I know that will be difficult too.

“And I want to thank families for their sacrifice at this difficult time. I want to thank whole country for the efforts people are making to comply with these measures.

“I particularly want to thank the teachers, headteachers and all the support staff who keep schools going who will make these exceptional arrangements work, for the benefit of us all.

“By looking after the children of key workers they will be a critical part of our fightback against Coronavirus. As I have said, we will take the right steps at the right time, guided by the science.

“We believe the steps we have already taken, together with those I am announcing today, are already slowing the spread of the disease.”