Schools are set to close until further notice following an announcement by Eduction Secretary Gavin Williamson.

High profile events have been cancelled and streets left abandoned across the county as the effects of coronavirus continue to be felt.

High streets in Boston, Skegness and Sleaford have been left deserted as shoppers stay away from town centres.

The Department of Health and Social Care announced that confirmed cases of the virus has risen by 676 to 2,626 by 9am this morning, Wednesday, March 18.

At least 71 people are known to have died from the disease in the UK.

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to update the nation on efforts to fight the virus later today, while the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson is also set to address MPs in the House of Commons on the government's advice to schools.

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The governments of Wales and Scotland have announced they will be closing schools by Friday, and although the UK government has refused to follow suit as of yet.

In the meantime a number of schools in Lincolnshire and Retford have taken the decision into their own hands and decided to send some students home.

Lincolnshire Live will you bring you the very latest goings on around the county and beyond.

If your school is affected by the closures, let us know by emailling matthew.lodge@reachplc.com