A primary school has had to close its gates to hundreds of pupils today after a parent was confirmed as having the deadly coronavirus.

Burbage Primary School in Buxton, Derbys, announced the decision to shut late on Wednesday evening in a WhatsApp message. It is thought to be the first school closure in Britain linked to a confirmed case of the new coronavirus named Covid-19.

Several others have shut because pupils and staff had recently visited areas now in lockdown, but not because they had been diagnosed with the airborne Sars-like disease. School bosses said the decision had been taken for the safety and protection of children and teachers so that the site can be cleaned.

But an appeal by the school for mums and dads not to share the concerning information was met by some with anger and dismay.

The school’s head Anthony Tierney was on site early this morning to deal with concerned parents and confirmed the gates would remain closed today.

He said: We are shut, it is just a precaution. I can’t say anything more at the moment.’

Panic stricken parents took to social media after receiving the school’s message shortly before 11pm last night.

Many complained about staff not being straight with them about whether the infected parent has recently been on school premises.

More to follow.

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