A total of 10 Northern Ireland schools have had to close to be deep cleaned following 'norovirus outbreaks'.
Belfast Live reported earlier in the week that a number of establishments had been hit by the winter sickness bug as well as a flu-like virus, with numbers now in the thousands affected.
Bangor Academy principal Matthew Pitts said today that half of his 1,600 pupils had called in sick.
His school is among the six that will be closed tomorrow - while a further primary school is expected to close on Monday.
The Department for Education has provided a full list of the schools which will not be opening tomorrow.
The schools closing on Nov 29, 2019 are:
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Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College (has not yet formally applied for an exceptional closure but is in the process of doing so)
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Bangor Central Integrated Primary School
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McArthur Nursery School
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Hollybush Primary School
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St Columbanus' College
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Tannaghmore Primary School
A further primary school is expected to close on Monday.
A DE spokesperson said Hezlett Primary in Coleraine had "not yet formally applied for an exceptional closure but is in the process of doing so" this afternoon.
It will be closed on December 2.
Schools that have already closed:
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Clandeboye Primary School – 26 Nov
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Killinchy Primary School – 25 Nov
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Bunscoil Mhic Reactain – 18/19 Nov
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Hollybush Primary School – 28/29 Nov (included above)
A DE spokesperson said: "The Department is aware of a number of schools which have closed for the purposes of a deep clean due to winter illnesses.
"In incidents where a school has had to close to carry out a deep clean, the school may apply for an exceptional closure which the Department will consider and approve if appropriate.
"The Public Health Agency provides information and advice on winter illnesses."
The Public Health Agency has urged families to take steps to reduce the spread of illness by staying off school for at least 48 hours after symptoms go away and to make sure you wash your hands.
CLICK HERE for more details on how to help prevent any further spread of the illness.
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