TWO schools in Herefordshire have said they will be closed until further notice due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Westfield School in Leominster has said it is important to protect families from exposure to the virus, and Barrs Court School in Hereford has followed suit.

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"To address the risks to our school community and discussions with the local authority, the difficult decision has been made to close the school for an extended period of time," a statement from Westfield School said.

"This is a precautionary move to ensure that the families can make the safest arrangements to protect themselves from exposure to the coronavirus, and to avoid hospital admissions.

"Westfield School will be closed from Monday, March 23 until further notice. The school, in discussion with the local authority, will be reviewing the situation on a regular basis. The up-to-date information will be posted on the school website and we suggest that you check this on a regular basis."

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Barrs Court School released a similar statement to parents, and it will also be closed from Monday.

School is Wales and Scotland will close from Friday, with an update on schools in England expected later.