A number of Fermanagh schools and colleges are to close on certain days this week as principals bring School Development Training Days forward to develop contingency plans in the event of school closures amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In correspondence with parents today (March 16) principals and representatives of the various schools gave the following statements regarding their temporary closures:

Principal of St. Joseph's College Helena Palmer stated: "St. Joseph's College will be closed March 17 for St. Patricks Day. We have decided to bring forward our Staff Development Days to Wednesday, March 18 to Friday, March 20 inclusive. No pupils should attend."

Principal of St. Michael's College Mark Henry stated: "Given the uncertainty in regard to the current situation in relation to coronavirus, I have taken the decision to use School Development Training Days for staff from Wednesday, March 18 to Friday, March 20 inclusive. Pupils should not attend school on these days. Staff will be working to develop contingency plans in the event of potential school closures. I appreciate your ongoing support."

Principal of Mount Lourdes Grammar School Sinead Cullen stated: "Given the uncertainty in regard to the current situation in relation to coronavirus, I have taken the decision to use School Development Training Days for staff on Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20. Staff will be working to develop contingency plans in the event of potential school closures."

Principal of St. Aidan's High School, Derrylin Pat McTeggart stated: "Given the uncertainty in regard to the current situation in relation to coronavirus, I have taken the decision to hold School Development Training Days for staff on Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20. As such, no pupils should attend."

Principal of St. Kevin's College, Lisnaskea Gary Kelly confirmed that based on the ongoing and accelerating increase in coronavirus cases, the school will be closed from March 18 to 20.

The acting principals of St. Fanchea's College have also taken the decision to close their school from March 18 to 20.

A spokeswoman for South West College Enniskillen Campus stated: "In light of the current circumstances around Covid-19, the College has decided to schedule staff development days on March 18, 19 and 20. Students will not be on campus and student activity (e.g. examinations) will not take place for the remainder of this week. Apprentices and trainees should attend their employer placement as normal or as instructed by their employer. We understand that this situation may be worrying for students. If you would like to speak to someone, support is available by contacting the college on 028 8225 0109 and ask for Student Services."

The Board of Governors for St. Mary's Primary School Brookeborough have confirmed that they have taken the decision to keep the school closed in light of the Covid-19 virus.

Chairman of the primary school's Board of Governors Sheamus Greene stated: "We will continue to review the decision. We have a duty of care to our pupils, staff, parents and the wider community."

Principal of Holy Trinity Primary School Brian Treacy stated: "Due to the uncertainty around the current health situation the school will close from Wednesday, March 18 to Friday, March 20 inclusive. Pupils should not attend. This decision has been made in the best interests of everyone in our school community. More information will be issued to parents in the coming days."

Principal of St. Mary's College, Irvinestown stated: "The well-being of our students and staff is always our number one priority. Students should remain at home for the remainder of this week. Thursday, March 19 to Friday, March 20 inclusive will be used as Staff Development Days. We will continue to work on contingency plans in the event of a potential school closure."