Parents and teachers demanded answers as chaos surrounded Friday’s school closures.
The children of key workers and those most in need will still be able to go in, the Government said – but it was not clear how this would work.
Most pupils will not return this school year in an escalation in the Government’s coronavirus response.
It came as the UK death toll climbed to 104 as another 32 people in England and one in Scotland died.
And it emerged a lockdown of London is planned as early as next week as the infections race ahead in the capital.
Multiple sources told the Mirror they expected restrictions to be hugely tightened, with businesses closed and restrictions on travel.
A senior Government source signalled it could come within days, saying: “It’s not going to happen today or tomorrow.”
It took London’s City Hall by surprise, with a source saying: “We haven’t heard anything on this – this lack of information doesn’t sound like the best way to govern in a national emergency.”
A mobile mortuary was set up in the capital to cope with expected deaths from the disease.
But there was hope with news that a “game-changer” test to see if an individual has developed antibodies to tackle the virus is “coming down the track”.
Announcing the closure of schools, nurseries, childminding services and colleges from tomorrow, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “They will remain closed until further notice.
"This will be for all children except to those of key workers and children who are most vulnerable.”
From Monday all schools will be expected to open but only the children of key workers and those classed as vulnerable will be allowed to attend.
Over the next two weeks headteachers will work out the best way to run a skeleton operation, with some teachers and children being asked to go to a different school than usual.
But the head of the NUT union said the announcement left “more questions than answers”.
The move will radically change life for almost nine million children, millions of parents and more than 500,000 teachers across the UK.
The Prime Minister said exams will be cancelled but the government would ensure pupils get the qualifications they need. However, he did not say how or what form that would take.
Thousands of students will have university or college offers dependent on their A-level results.
Clare Marchant, boss of universities admissions body UCAS said plans had already been put in place for this scenario.
But it remained unclear how the new system would work with some teachers worrying that relying on predicted grades would disadvantage worse-off families.
GMB chief Rehana Azam said: “More detail is urgently needed.”
Scottish leaders said there is no guarantee schools there would reopen before the summer. Schools in Wales will be re-purposed to help “people in need”.
Elsewhere:
- Prince Harry and wife Meghan want to help people cope with the mental stress by using their soon-to-be-rebranded @sussexroyal Instagram account to share resources.
- Prince William supported a national appeal to raise funds for those in need through the National Emergencies Trust. He said: “It will ensure the support reaches those across the UK who need it most as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
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A Navy hospital ship that supported operations to curb the Ebola outbreak could be used to treat coronavirus patients and ease pressure on packed NHS wards. Helicopters and other aircraft could be made available, with some 20,000 troops on standby. Scientists at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down, Wilts, are working on fighting the spread of coronavirus.
- Retired and part-time police could be called on to help depleted forces, with voluntary police specials paid and diverted from their day jobs if sickness hits the regular service.
- Donald Trump said the border between the US and Canada would be closed to all but “essential traffic”, and confirmed he plans to bar undocumented immigrants from crossing the southern border. He said America is on a wartime footing and that he sees himself as a “wartime president”.
- Some 108 Brits, most elderly, were stranded on a cruise ship off Brazil. British diplomats are negotiating with the Brazilian authorities to try to get the passengers off the Silver Shadow.
What has been announced?
Schools in England will shut to most pupils after lessons on Friday but remain open for kids of keyworkers. Schools in Wales close on Friday “at the latest”in Scotland they shut by the end of the week. They close in Northern Ireland from Monday. Special schools, private schools and nurseries shut too.
Who will look after the children?
Millions of children will be sent home meaning in most cases, parents will stay home to care for them. Asking elderly relatives to help out is not an option as over-70s are at risk. Employers will be expected to make allowances for working from home.
Which children can attend school?
Children of key workers which include NHS staff, police, social care workers and delivery drivers. A full list will be published today. “Vulnerable pupils” will also be asked to turn up - meaning those who either have a social worker, or an education, health and care plan.
What about kids who have exams?
All GCSE, AS- and A-Level exams are to be axed. The PM said pupils would get the qualifications they need. Options include teachers submitting predicted grades. Thousands will have university or college offers dependent on results. Primary school SATS will be cancelled for Year 6 children. Teachers have to draw up home lesson plans.
What happens if kids get free meals?
There will be vouchers for children eligible for free school meals. It could just apply for children who get means-tested free meals rather than infants pupils who receive them universally.
Are my children are now at risk?
Research suggests the younger you are, the less likely you are to have complications from COVID-19.
How long will schools stay shut?
We don’t know. Science chiefs previously said for a shutdown to work against the virus, schools would have to shut for three to four months.
Why weren’t they closed before now?
When millions take time off to look after their kids it harms the economy, the NHS and society. The balance of riks has now changed.
