A number of schools around London have sent children home and even closed as the number of cases of coronavirus in the capital climb.

A school in Croydon came under fire from parents after it decided not to close despite sending a child home 'based on advice from the NHS'.

However, Public Health England's current advice is not to close schools in response to a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19, unless advised to do so by PHE.

This hasn't stopped one concerned parent starting an official petition, asking the government to close schools and colleges down for 'an appropriate amount of time'.

The petition reads: "We would like the government to at least consider closing schools and colleges down in the coming weeks or as soon as possible, in addition to taking necessary actions to prevent further spread.

"We would like the Government or Parliament to enforce this action due to the growing fear among parents and students that attend school. The ability to focus or concentrate is affected in addition to the growing fears of the coronavirus.

"In our view, the government and health officials around the world are more 'reactive' rather than 'proactive'. This will result in more spread as time is given for the virus to do so. We hope to come to an agreement as soon as possible in a timely manner."

The petition was started on Friday, March 6 and on Saturday morning already has over 120,000 signatures, meaning that parliament will have to consider it for a debate.

Not everyone is happy about the petition, with many comments on social media calling it 'ridiculous' and 'scaremongering'.

Many mums have pointed out that a parent would have to stop working to look after children sent home from school, which could in turn lead to doctor or nurse shortages.

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Others have said that whether or not a child goes in should be down to the parent's discretion, and parents should not have to face repercussions if they choose to keep their child home.

One mum said: "People need to get a grip and get on with life, closing school for those poor kids when they're taking exams would be so detrimental."

Another added: "I work at a school and simply closing it at this time would have an enormous roll on effect. Unless it is a direct risk, business should be as usual!"