A Harlow school has been closed as precautionary measure after a teacher returned from Italy where there has been an outbreak of coronavirus.

William Martin C of E Junior Infant and Nursery school in Tawneys Road has been closed for the day (Wednesday, February 26) for a ‘deep clean’.

The teacher is said to not be displaying any symptoms of Covid-19 and the school is expected to reopen tomorrow.

Head teacher Gina Bailey said: "I have spoken to the NHS helpline and they deemed the situation to be low risk, but as a school we have decided to take this necessary precaution to ensure the safety of both our pupils and our staff.

“The school is closed for one day and it is purely as a precaution.

“The staff member is not displaying any symptoms of the virus.

"Parents have been informed of the situation and we thank them for their support and cooperation at this time."