A secondary school has issued a letter confirming they will remain open after fears they would close in relation to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Ongar Academy on Fyfield Road, Ongar, has issued the following letter to parents and guardians.

The school also confirmed that their Year 9 parents evening scheduled tonight is also set to take place between 4:15pm and 7:15pm, with staff not shaking hands with pupil's parernts or guardians.

Headteacher Allan Osborne states: "Essex County Council have asked schools to issue this statement, which I will dutifully do: “We are continuing to follow advice from Public Health England in respect of Coronavirus.

"We have NOT been put on alert to close and at present we have NO plans to close the school for any additional time.

"We are working closely with the Local Authority and if we are advised differently by Public Health England and the Department for Education to close, we will inform parents and carers immediately.”

An Essex County Council spokesperson said: “We have not informed any Essex County Council schools to close for additional time due to coronavirus.

"There has been NO advice from Public Health England or the Department for Education to do this. Should the situation change we will update all of our schools immediately.”

Mr Osborne also stated: "As a community you have been amazing and so supportive by remaining calm and pragmatic. As you know, I will constantly communicate with you if anything changes.

"I am risk assessing every morning and evening. We are not closing at this time. Your support has been so wonderful and you are making our jobs so much easier.

"I always say this: there is nothing like the Ongar community."

To read the letter in full, click here.