Cobra meeting? Schools

[tearsandtiaras]

Has anyone heard anything about the results of the COBRA meeting yet?

Or news on schools closing?

Will they close universities too?

Watching with interest

Cobra are still sitting.

I thought we were expecting an announcement at 12?

Regardless, they haven't come out yet.

I think the meeting started at 12

Apparently the 12pm announcement came from Mumsnet and mumsnet alone

I think they're still in the meeting. Expect to hear something by close of business today.
I don't think they'll shut schools. I think they'll;

Ask people to work from home
Ask people to avoid travel to affected countries
Ask people to avoid public transport
Cancel visits to care homes and hospitals
Ask businesses to stagger working hours where possible

Placemarking

I reckon it wont be schools yet but am finding it hard to do other things as I need ti know!!!

Oh and I think they'll cancel non emergency medical procedures and ask GPs to give telephone appointments where possible

@SquashedFlyBiscuit I know! I keep refreshing bbc news

I think if he doesn't shut the schools he will be in for public outrage

Cases are up a 29 percent rise today from yesterday

The (hateful) DM seem to be saying that Boris ain’t going to do anything....please tell me they’re just making it up as normal...I really can’t believe they can be this stupid (/possibly evil if you believe conspiracy theories!!)...but I’m going with stupid.

456-590 in one day !

I think he’ll hold up on school closures today but that announcement will be made next week.

The thing is though that's less than 600 (known cases). The schools will be shut for holidays soon anyway. The economy would grind to a halt if no one can go to work.

I'm not agreeing either way, just putting forward a different point of view.

Anxious to hear the results. Given the strong words of advice given by WHO for governments to take stronger action to halt the spread of disease, is anyone else considering keeping their children at home if BJ decides he wants schools to remain open?
Feeling quite distrusting of his blaze approach, particularly given that I have a peetpetually germy 6 year old at home and am 40+4 weeks pregnant so will have a newborn to keep safe very soon.

Put Sky News on the TV or get the app on your phone, they are giving live updates as the news comes in. It didn't start until after lunch though so could be hours yet.

Telegraph says 20 March up to 2 months

@Emcont bbc breakfast said 12. The meeting got pushed back. It wasn't made up on 'mumsnet'

@ihaveaquestionplease I agree with you, I think that's what they'll say too.

Watching with interest

@Keastrogen92 I won't be keeping my 3yo at home unless his nursery closes. He's pretty robust and we don't have anyone in our family at risk (sadly my grandparents and father all died fairly recently).
I wouldn't judge someone for keeping their kids home if they had a vulnerable family member though.
FYI newborns aren't known to be at particular risk from this virus however every instinct in your body wants to protect them so it's very understandable that you would want to 'nest' with your children.

I think I read "There will be an announcement after a COBRA meeting at 12". Which could have been misinterpreted as the announcement being at 12. But the COBRA meeting is still on going, NI health minister and First and Deputy are joining by videolink.

I just had a call from the local hospital to tell me all outpatient appointments are cancelled