The government previously called for calm and said there was no reason to shut down schools and universities.
Schools have been advised to prepare for possible closures to stop the spread of the coronavirus should staff or pupils be infected.
The circular was released by the department on Thursday and comes in the wake of the health ministry confirming the number of patients who have tested positive for the coronavirus. Schools were told to work in close collaboration with health officials in order to make an informed decision on the suspension of activities.
“Large event cancellations or school dismissals may be recommended for 14 days, or possibly longer if advised by local health officials. The nature of these actions… may change as the local situation evolves,” the communiqué reads.
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