All schools in Wales will be closed from Friday, the Welsh Government has announced.

A number of schools have already closed their doors due to either suspected cases of coronavirus or because of staffing issues.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has also announced that schools in Scotland will close from Friday as a result of the outbreak and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced the same in England.

After a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Wales education minister Kirsty Williams said this summer's GCSE and A-level exams would not happen - saying there were plans to award grades based on work already done.

Ms Williams said “schools across Wales will close for statutory provision of education at the latest on Friday, March 20".

There is no date for when schools will reopen.

She added: “From next week, schools will have a new purpose. They will help support those most in need, including people involved in the immediate response to the coronavirus outbreak. I am working with my colleagues in the cabinet, with government officials and our partners in local government to develop and finalise these plans."

There had been fears closing schools would cause widespread disruption as parents - including NHS staff - would have to take time off work to look after their children.

There have also been concerns that grandparents - who are a vulnerable group - would begin helping with childcare which would put them at risk.

Easter holidays were due to be in Wales between April 6 and April 17.

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