Island schools will remain open despite those across the UK closing until further notice from Friday.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle said: ’At this moment in time our schools are staying open. You have to bear in mind that we have no confirmed cases, we have brought in the isolation of all people coming into the island, which I don’t think anyone else has implemented.

’If we feel the need to change that position on the closing of schools then we’ll be updating you all. I’m aware of people who have children who have autoimmune illnesses, who have every right to be concerned, and are therefore keeping their children at home.’

Teaching union NASUWT has called on Education Minister Dr Alex Allinson to urgently provide ’clarity and greater support for teachers, as well as pupils and parents over the Covid-19 outbreak’.

It is meeting with the Minister on Friday.