A worried mum-of-four with health issues has pulled her children out of school - because she fears catching coronavirus herself.
Kelly Berry, 50, put her children in isolation last week after the number of UK infections rose dramatically.
She says she is more susceptible to catching the virus due to her weak lungs and being asthmatic.
She also said a previous battle with pneumonia left her in so much chronic pain it has left her unable to work.
Kelly said she plans to keep Charley, 13, and Frankie, nine, off school indefinitely until the global pandemic appears more manageable.
Kelly, from Surbiton, south-west London, said: "I've had to do what I've had to do.
"I'm their sole carer so if anything happens to me they won't have anyone.
"I have an older son too and he told me I've made the right decision for my health.
"I wouldn't say I'm panicked by coronavirus but I mean we're all worried.
"The numbers just keep going up and up."
She phoned the two schools her children attend to tell them of her decision on March 4, and said she received a "disapproving" tone from staff.
Kelly said: "I've asked for work to be sent here so they don't fall behind but nothing has been sent.
"I want to keep them up to date with their work but I've got to put my health first.
"It's not like I keep them locked up like prisoners. They can go to the shop at the end of the road.
"But I can't have them going to places with loads of people.
"We're told to keep away from mass gatherings.
"They're not allowed to go to shopping centres or the cinema. No where where there are loads of people.
"Not until we all know a bit more about what is going on."
