All schools are to be closed to in-house learning with the move coming into effect from next Monday until April 23, as a measure against the spread of the coronavirus.

The health order moving schools to remote learning will be announced at the 5.30pm Covid-19 press conference this afternoon.

The move was confirmed in a message to parents from two private schools, both of whom said the Government would be announcing the news this evening.

Bermuda High School and Saltus announced today they would switch to remote studies starting next Tuesday.

Deryn Lavell, head of school at Saltus, said the two-week order included “a review in the second week to determine if an extension is needed”.

She added in a newsletter to parents: “This afternoon, I’m writing to advise you that the Government will be announcing later today that as per Department of Health orders, all Public and Private Schools are required to move to virtual learning as of Monday April 12 through to Friday April 23.

“They have advised us that this will be for two weeks with a review in the second week to determine if an extension is needed.”

Young people and students have been particularly affected in the latest surge of infections, with Diallo Rabain, the eduction minister, ordering pupils and staff to start their Easter holidays early as a containment measure against the virus.