Schools, colleges and universities in Hertfordshire are being prepped by Hertfordshire County Council in case of possible closures.

The council is encouraging for schools and colleges across the county to make use of online resources as an educative tool, in case schools are to be shut due to Covid-19.

Parents across the UK are calling for the government to shut down schools in fears that children could spread the virus, and a petition has received over 649,000 signatures which will soon see a response by the government.

Most schools are advised to stay open and the council explained they are following the advice from Public Health England and the Department for Education.

A spokesperson for the council explained: "Last week we provided all schools with a list of useful resources for effective online learning in case of school closure."

While it was not specified what kind of programmes schools and pupils can make use of, the Observer understands that schools have since been preparing for possible school shutdowns.

Some schools are making use of Google Suite for Education, as Google are offering free advanced capabilities to its online tools until July 1.

Stanborough Secondary School in Garston completely shut last week until the end of the month after a member of the school community tested positive for Covid-19.

In a statement released, interim head teacher Kaz James said: “We will send detailed communication about how we are going to ensure that your child is effectively learning during their time at home.

“You will receive clear instructions of how your child can access learning resources and real-time interaction with teachers.”

Several other schools around Watford were approached to find out what specific preparations have been set, but none wished to comment back.

In the meantime, parents around Hertfordshire are taking their children out of school in fear that the virus could spread to those with vulnerable immune systems.

Monika Lee, a parent form Welwyn Garden City, is one of several parents that told the Observer they would keep their children out of school.

Ms Lee said: “I have kept my daughter who has down syndrome at home last week, and I have not sent my son of primary school age to school today as his sister is vulnerable.”

The University of Hertfordshire, which is mainly based in Hatfield, will also be enforcing its online learning tools for its students from March 23 until further notice.

Last Thursday (March 12) the university confirmed a case of Covid-19 involving a student.

Students are therefore now asked to not attend the campus as much as possible.

Sharon Harrison-Barker, the secretary and registrar at the university, said: “From Monday March 16, the university has implemented a reading week and will move to online learning for all students from March 23 until further notice.

“We will continue to reassess based on the most up-to-date information.

“We ask that students do not attend sessions on campus, including lectures and seminars, and instead access their studies using our online learning platform and that staff wherever possible work from home.

“Lecturers will adapt sessions as necessary to ensure students continue to receive high standards of learning.”

But the campus will be open to provide some services for students including those who live in university accommodation, but will scale back services such as food, drink and recreational activities.

The university has also cancelled all non-essential events until the end of April including an Open Day on March 14 and an Offer Holder Day on April 4.

She added: “We apologise to students for the disruption to their usual learning environment.

“We take the health and safety of our students, staff, and community very seriously, and this is always our highest priority.

“We all have a role to play in keeping ourselves and each other safe and well, and we will continue to offer the high-quality teaching, learning and experience for all students and staff.

“This is not the first challenge we have faced as a University, and there is no doubt that it will be our last.

“In our long history we have seen various closures and crises and we have always worked together as a community and supported each other through difficult times. This is no exception.”

As of 9am on March 16, there are 29 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Hertfordshire.

But as of 9am today (March 17), 1,950 people have tested positive in the UK.

Follow our live-blog for more updates of coronavirus in Hertfordshire and the UK.