A school has become the first to close in Greater Manchester amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Garrett Hall Primary School in Tyldesley, Wigan, says it is closing for 'a specialist deep clean' from Thursday, March 5.

In a letter to parents the headteacher says that a family from the school have been 'in direct contact with two people who are confirmed cases' of coronavirus.

The parent agreed to keep the child off school 'as a precautionary measure' until there is confirmation of the virus and while the family follows NHS guidance.

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

The letter, sent to parents on Wednesday, states: "We have therefore taken the decision to close the school on Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6 to allow for a specialist deep clean and we will reopen on Monday.

It says that health authorities 'have not insisted' the closure, not the cleaning of the school, but the decision has been made as 'a duty of care' to pupils and staff.

The letter adds: "We are aware of the impact of news of this nature on a community and it is not our intention to cause undue alarm.

"School will remain closed on Thursday and Friday to enable cleaning to be completed and the local situation will be monitored."

All after school and before school clubs have also been cancelled at the Garrett Lane school.