Two secondary schools have announced partial closures as the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread.
King Harold Business and Enterprise Academy on Broomstick Road Waltham Abbey, has announced all Year 8 and 9 pupils will no longer have to attend school until further notice due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Students have been given a letter from the school confirming that due to the low amount of staff, the partial closure will be implemented from tomorrow (Wednesday, March 18).
The letter confirming King Harold Business and Enterprise Academy's partial closure
No cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed by the school.
Pupils will be given schoolwork to complete online.
"The letter states from consultant headteacher, Vanessa Ray, that :"We of course remain extra vigilant and are encouraging students, parents and staff to continue taking extra precautions."
Elsewhere, The Ongar Academy on Fyfield Road, Ongar, confirmed they will also be partially open until Friday, March 20.
Headteacher Allan Osborne tweeted: "Mr Allan Osborne "I have made the decision to partially open @TheOngarAcademy until Friday.
"New communications will come out tomorrow.
"I will not be made to be a matryr and compromise the health and safety of children. I am so fortunate that I have a Trust that supports me in this tough decision."
More information will follow as this story develops.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here