Liverpool City Council sent a letter to headteachers saying schools will not inform parents or guardians of "suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus" unless they are told to do so by health officials. It is estimated that four in ten parents are ignoring Government advice and keeping their children home due to their coronavirus fears. It is understood that Public Health England has not told local authorities specifically on how schools communicate with their communities about cases. Public Health England has said that, in most cases, school closures will not be necessary. Some schools have closed for a deep clean after positive cases, while others have been forced to shut because so many staff are self-isolating.

Source: Daily Mirror March 17, 2020 10:53 UTC