CLOSING TIME
NICOLA Sturgeon says schools in Scotland won't be closed for the time being despite coronavirus fears.
Mass gatherings of more than 500 people face being banned next week with the First Minister saying she expects a "sharp rise" from the current 36 cases.
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⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
Will schools in Scotland close due to coronavirus?
Speaking today, the First Minister said any decision on whether to close schools has not yet been made, in light of the anticipated move from the contain phase amid the coronavirus outbreak, to the delay phase.
Meanwhile, dozens of mass gatherings of more than 500 people face being banned from next week.
At First Minister's Questions, she said it is "inappropriate that we continue as normal" and she will recommend the cancellation of gatherings of more than 500 people to protect front-line services.
Dozens of Scottish football matches and gigs to be cancelled as mass gatherings banned
Ms Sturgeon said she would be advising the cancellations to start from Monday.
Speaking ahead of a Cobra meeting with other UK leaders, she said: "Mass gatherings are required to be policed, they require to have emergency ambulance cover, they require the services of our voluntary health services.
"At a time when we need to be reducing the pressures on these front-line workers in order to free them up on the significant challenge that lies ahead, I do think it is inappropriate that we continue as normal."
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Have schools already closed?
A number of schools have had periods of closure due to the coronavirus, with others advising their students to self isolate if they become ill.
To stop the virus spreading, some have shut their doors for up to two weeks, to allow deep cleaning.
This also gives health officials time to tr ack down others who have been in contact with infected people.
Many schools have temporarily closed - and have since reopened.
A school in Kirkintilloch was closed after a person who had been in the building was told to self-isolate by the NHS.
CORONAVIRUS IN SCOTLAND LATEST
Here's what we know so far about how coronavirus will affect Scotland:
- Nicola Sturgeon expects sharp rise in coronavirus cases
- Mass gatherings banned from next week
- Celtic v Rangers WILL be played in front full house
- ... but other football games set to be behind closed doors
- Scotland v Israel Euro clash under threat
- Larger music concerts set to be cancelled
- Shetland's annual Up Helly Aa cancelled
- Schools to remain open .. for now
Follow our live blog HERE for all the latest coronavirus news.
Why have some schools closed in Scotland?
The main reason that schools have cited for closing their doors has been to prevent the spread and keep staff and pupils safe.
Scottish teachers have been uploading coursework online to brace themselves for potential extended COVID-19 closures.
The Scottish Sun has seen documents which shows staff are being instructed to move lessons online and prepare for a period of extended leave.
LATEST CORONAVIRUS NEWS
What has the government said about school closures?
Official Scottish Government guidance states anyone who has been "in close face-to-face or touching contact" or suspects they have coronavirus should self-isolate for 14 days.
There is no specific advice for schools yet.
Coronavirus: WHO expert recommends social distancing to avoid a 'much bigger pandemic and having to cancel events for the year'
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