TWO schools have been shut down after a pupil was diagnosed with coronavirus.
The head of Newtownhamilton High School in Co Armagh wrote to parents yesterday saying a child had been diagnosed.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Education Authority are working closely with the school and neighbouring Newtownhamilton PS "to help ensure an appropriate response".
They are the first schools to completely close down. Others have sent some pupils home as a precaution.
Newtownhamilton High is a small post-primary with about 188 pupils. It shares a site with the 60 pupil primary school.
Pupils and staff will remain at home this week while other activities at the high school including parents evenings have been postponed.
Just yesterday, the school's science department had shared both a guide to hand washing and the PHA's advice for schools about coronavirus on Twitter.
Principal Neil Megaw told parents that the PHA confirmed that the risk to pupils and staff was low.
"There is no indication that the infection has spread further within the school," he said.
"However, as a precaution, following discussion with the PHA and Education Authority, a decision has been made to close both Newtownhamilton High School and Newtownhamilton Primary School for the remainder of this week to enable an enhanced clean of the premises.
"It is anticipated that teaching and learning will recommence on Monday 16th March. This is a highly precautionary measure and all possible steps have been taken to protect the welfare of pupils and staff. The risk of pupils or staff becoming infected is very low."
Mr Megaw added that everyone could take simple steps to help protect themselves and others from COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses such as flu.
"If you are worried about symptoms your child is experiencing, please call your GP for further advice," he said.
"Finally, I urge all community members to remain calm at this time and to respect the privacy of the family impacted."
Hundreds of pupils and teachers who had flown back from school trips to Italy had previously been told to stay home amid coronavirus fears.
Banbridge Academy, Cambridge House in Ballymena and Limavady Grammar School were among those who asked people to stay home as a precaution.
Some children and staff were asked to "self isolate" for two weeks following advice from the PHA issued to all schools.
Other schools have sent advice leaflets home to parents but have stressed there is "no cause for alarm".
