A CO Armagh secondary school was closed today following an outbreak of coronavirus among pupils and staff.
In a letter to parents last night, St Paul’s High School in Bessbrook said it was aware of a "number of positive Covid-19 cases".
An "enhanced clean" of the school was due to take place today and over the weekend.
Principal Jarlath Burns said in the letter that the decision to close the school had been taken "with an abundance of caution as a necessary precautionary step".
"To allow us to ascertain the impact of these positive cases on the school population, it is important that pupils stay at home tomorrow," he said.
"This will give me the necessary time and space to seek to identify other pupils or staff members who may have been in close contact with any of the positive cases.
"I will be in contact separately with any individuals who we identify as being in close contact for a sustained period (15 minutes and within a distance of two metres) and it may be necessary to require these pupils and staff members to self-isolate for a period of 14 days.
"I am also asking pupils and staff to remain at home on Friday to allow an enhanced clean of the school building to take place on Friday and over the weekend.
"I know you will support me in taking this precautionary step in the health and safety interest of all our pupils and staff."
