Two schools in Cheshire have closed over coronavirus fears.

Cransley High in Northwich has taken the action after some pupils returning from the trip in Bormio, Lombardy last week showed flu-like symptoms. 

In a statement posted on Facebook, headmaster Richard Pollock said he was making the decision “regardless of the current Public Health England advice” that states schools can remain open.

He added: “I have decided, in discussion with the SMT and the Chair and Vice-Chair of Governors, to completely minimise possible spread of infection and close the school for the remainder of the week.

“All pupils who are unwell should inform NHS 111 and insist on being tested for the Coronavirus.”

Brine Leas Academy in Nantwich has also partially closed after some of its pupils returned from a school trip to Italy.

Meanwhile in Northern Ireland, around 50 pupils and staff at a Co Antrim grammar school were sent home as a precaution against coronavirus after returning from an Italian ski holiday.

They were in the Lombardy region in the north of the country but did not visit nine towns affected by the Covid-19 infection and are showing no symptoms.

Cambridge House Grammar school principal Elma Lutton said: “Taking cognisance of advice from the Public Health Agency and following advice from the Education Authority, the pupils and staff on that ski trip have been sent home for 14 days’ self-quarantine.

“This is precautionary, none of them were in those nine towns, none are showing any symptoms.

“They were in the Lombardy region but went through Milan airport.”

Earlier this month a secondary school in Southampton closed after students who had travelled to China developed symptoms similar to coronavirus.