SCHOOLS must stay open even if children show coronavirus symptoms, health cheifs said today.

The order comes as pupils with coughs or fevers were told to go home but teachers who have been in contact with them ordered to remain at work.

The Department of Education and Public Health England released new advice this morning outlining that staff or students should only stay home if they are unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature (over 100F).

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Staff who have come into contact with children that present coronavirus symptoms are allowed to stay at work but must wash their hands for 20 seconds afterwards.

It came as thousands of schoolchildren and students decided to take matters into their own hands and stay home in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.