BBC News presenter Carrie Gracie attempted to introduce her guests for a segment discussing recent government coronavirus announcements when she failed to hold back a cough. During this introduction, Ms Gracie’s voice sounded noticeably dry and the presenter appeared uncomfortable. She said: “That was the Educational Secretary and you have been sending in your questions about the virus.”

The BBC host then coughed while using her fist to cover her mouth and attempted to continue.

She went on to say: “You have sent in your questions regarding the measures the Prime Minister and the Educational Secretary announced today on the closure of schools.

“With us to answer your questions is correspondent Charlotte Rose and also joining us is John Dickens who is the editor of Schools Week magazine.

“We are hoping in a moment to also speak to June O’Sullivan who is the CEO of the London Early Years Foundation.”

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Ms Gracie then addressed her croaky voice during the introduction and her cough moments earlier.

She said: “I am just going to say now that I have a catch in my throat.

“That is not a persistent cough and I do not have a fever.”

After clearing her throat she remarked, “this studio is sometimes dusty.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Education Secretary Gavin Williamson shocked the nation on Wednesday evening as they announced the Government’s latest steps in fighting coronavirus.

Mr Williamson explained schools in the UK would be closing on Friday for the majority of students.

While speaking in the House of Commons Mr Williamson said: “The scientific advice shows that these settings are safe for this small number of children to continue attending.

“But asking others to stay away from schools will just go towards helping us slow the spread of this virus.

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“Examples of these key workers include NHS staff, police and delivery drivers who need to be able to go to work.

“Vulnerable children include those who have a social worker and those with educational health and care plans.”

Mr Williamson said the Government is “expecting” early year providers, sixth forms and further education colleges to do the same.

Mr Williamson said: “I know the situation has become increasingly challenging.

“I’ve said before that if the science and the advice changed, such that keeping schools open would no longer be in the best interest of children and teachers, that we would act – we are now at that stage.”

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