The Welsh Government has announced that all schools in Wales will be closing from Friday.

It comes following the outbreak of coronavirus which has seen 149 people being diagnosed with the disease with two deaths being confirmed.

Over 200,000 cases have now been reported worldwide.

Kirsty Williams the country’s Education Minister said she was bringing forward the Easter break.

Easter holidays were due to be in Wales between April 6 and April 17.

In her statement, Ms. Williams said schools would have a ‘new purpose’ as the outbreak intensifies.

"They will help support those most in need, including people involved in the immediate response to the coronavirus outbreak," she added.

"I am working with my colleagues in the cabinet, with government officials and our partners in local government to develop and finalise these plans.”

No announcement was made regarding exams, but Ms. Williams added that she was seeking to address the issue with ‘urgency’ with a further announcement to follow by the end of the week.

Childcare centres are expected to remain open until further advice is given to the Welsh Government by Wales’ Chief Medical Officer and Public Health Wales.

Headteachers body NAHT Cymru said it welcomed the announcement.

In a statement, the body, said: “NAHT Cymru welcomes the announcement by Education Minister Kirsty Williams to close all schools from tomorrow.

“Details of how we can support vulnerable children and children of key workers are yet to be finalised, but school leaders and teachers will want to be part of the national response.

“Schools play a pivotal role as part of the social fabric of our communities and we will work with Welsh Government to make sure the support systems are in place to ensure key workers can remain in work.

“School leaders have been under immense pressure in recent days and have worked tirelessly to support their staff, their pupils and their families.

“As committed public servants they will want to continue to play their part during these times of uncertainty.

“As a union, we will continue to work with Welsh Government to ensure that we all fulfil our civic duty to keep Wales open."