UK schools could close for TWO MONTHS under plan to contain coronavirus as cases rise and medics warn the old and infirm may NOT get treatment

Emergency plans are being drawn up by health officials to contain the coronavirus which could see schools closed for at least two months.

Football matches, concerts and other mass gatherings may also need to be suspended, the chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said.

Professor Whitty has refused to rule out anything, but is understood to be cautious about school closures unless absolutely necessary because of the huge impact on society and the economy.

He said: 'We're not saying we will do them, we have to look at them and say, 'How likely are they to work?' 

A general view is pictured of Burbage Primary School in Buxton, Derbyshire on February 27, 2020, after the closure of the school as a pupil's parent has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Four pupils at Thomas's Battersea School, the same one that is attended by Prince George and Princess Charlotte, have been sent home after showing coronavirus symptoms following a trip to Italy

Today, the Government announced there had been three more confirmed cases in the UK bringing the total number to 16, although there have not been any deaths.

The first school closed down due to a confirmed case was Burbage Primary School in Buxton, Derbyshire.