A PRIMARY school has sent more than 300 pupils home for two weeks after coronavirus cases were confirmed.
The closure of St Comgall's PS in Bangor is the longest such period to be taken since schools reopened after the summer holidays.
Several have already shut for a few days after reports of positive cases.
Others including nearby Bangor Grammar School have sent individual pupils, entire classes and full year groups home to self-isolate.
It is understood there were two cases identified at St Comgall's.
Principal Cathy Hunter said she had no other option and added that there was no need to panic.
She said pupils were not required to self-isolate, however.
In a message to parents, Ms Hunter said the closure was needed to protect the health and safety of the whole school community.
"Please reassure your child that all is well," she said.
"I sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused but know that you will want to support this decision in order to return our school community safely as soon as we can."
North Down Green Party councillor Barry McKee said St Comgall's would likely be "the first of many schools to close due to the virus".
"The health of pupils, families and school staff must come first," he added.
Meanwhile, three support staff at Belfast Model School for Girls have been advised to self-isolate for 14 days. No pupils have been sent home.
