A SCHOOL has closed as a "precaution" amid coronavirus fears following a recent ski trip.

In a letter sent to parents, St Christopher's CE High School in Accrington announced it will be closed as a result of its children returning from a ski trip to Pila in Italy.

Within the letter, headmaster Richard Jones said: "You may be aware that the school's recent ski trip has just returned home from Pila in Italy, so I am writing to reassure you that the school is following the advice of Public Health England and the local authority to ensure the health of our whole community, including pupils and staff.

"As a precautionary measure and pending further information from Public Health England, governors have taken the decision to close the school on Wednesday, February 26.

"Pila in Italy, is currently not in a lockdown area, however the advice is that if you have returned from northern Italy since February 19, and develop a cough, fever and or shortness of breath, however mild, you should stay indoors at home and avoid contact with other people immediately call NHS111.

"You do not need to follow this advice if you have no symptoms."

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In Italy, police have manned checkpoints around a dozen quarantined northern towns as 229 people have tested positive for coronavirus and seven have died.

Schools were closed, theatre performances cancelled, and Venice Carnival celebrations were called off, while producers said filming on the latest Mission: Impossible movie starring Tom Cruise has been halted.