events” and he urged for schools to remain open unless there is both a positive case of coronavirus. But 10
schools have closed down in the UK so far and other schools have asked pupils to self-isolate.
The DfE said Public Health England has issued guidance to help schools give advice to pupils, students,
staff, parents or carers. A DfE helpline has also been set up to manage increasing queries.
A government spokesperson said: “Our action plan sets out measures to respond to the Covid-19 outbreak
that are reasonable, proportionate and based on the latest scientific evidence. They will be continually kept
under review and the impact of all measures will be carefully considered.”