Schools across Ayrshire are to close at the end of this week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced.
It comes amid a nationwide lockdown on classrooms confirmed this lunchtime.
Officials have taken the drastic step in their battle against the spread of coronavirus.
Ms Sturgeon added that she "cannot promise that they (schools) will reopen before the summer holidays".
She said: "With every day that passes there are fewer teachers to staff our schools.
"The decision is due to a mix of science and practical reality."
Nurseries will also close as part of the shutdown.
Scotland's Chief Medical Officer, Catherine Calderwood, added that closing schools will "prevent further transmission of the virus".
A large number of parents had already begun to withdraw pupils from classes as the Covid-19 scare takes hold.
