Two more school's within the district have announced partial closures amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Epping St John's Church of England School and High Ongar Primary School have both issued letters to parents and guardians that only certain year groups will have to have attend.

Over 2,600 people in the UK have been tested positive for Covid-19 as of Wednesday, March 18. The latest death toll will be announced later today.

At High Ongar Primary School, only Year 6 students must attend in order to maximise study time for SAT's from Monday, March 23.

A letter issued by the school says: "Due to reduced and unavailable resources (for example staffing, catering, cleaning, hygiene), we are unable to sustain a

full school service for very much longer.

"With effect from Monday 23rd March, the school will only be open to children in Year 6."

It further reads: "We understand that this situation is greatly concerning for everyone and decisions have not been taken lightly.

"We really appreciate your support in managing this very unique set of circumstances and would like to extend our best wishes to you all in troubling times."

At Epping St John's School pupils in Year's 7, 8, 11 and 13 are expected to still attend.

Year's 9, 10 and 12 must work from home.

The letter reads: "We do not have any staff who have tested positive for Coronavrius but we do have staff who are over 70, have medical conditions, are pregnant or have a partner who is pregnant. On top of this, we also have

staff who are unwell.

"This means that currently the school is running with far fewer staff than it needs to function with all year groups."

Headteacher Mr Yerosimou said: "As I said to students earlier today; this is not holiday time, this is still school time and we have to make the best of a bad situation.

"For this reason, I am asking you to ensure that your child is working each day in order to limit the impact this regrettable situation has on their educational right.

"This is a very difficult time for everybody in our community and these decisions are not taken lightly."

Ivy Chimneys Primary School in Epping is currently closed until Friday and four schools in Harlow have closed for two weeks.

Education Secretary Gavin Williams will address the House of Commons at 5pm.

Follow our live blog for the latest updates on coronavirus in and aroud Essex and east London.