TWO schools have closed after being hit by a rise in coronavirus cases.

The two sites affected are Crestwood Community School at Eastleigh and Hordle Primary School in the New Forest.

Pupils at Crestwood are attending lessons remotely.

In a message to parents the school said: "Live Lessons are up and running. Students should follow their normal timetable, as if in school. Lessons will start at their normal in-school, time.

"However, they will be slightly shorter (approximately 50 minutes each) to allow students time away from the screen between lessons.

"Students should go to their Google Classroom for the corresponding subject where they will be given direction from there.

"Students should also keep an eye on their e-mail throughout the day in case tutors and Year Leaders need to get in touch.

"We fully appreciate that a number of you have raised concerns about the number of devices available in your household to access the work.

"All teachers are sensitive to this and we ask simply that you do your best. Live lessons can be accessed by phones and tablets, as well as laptops."

In a message to parents Hordle Primary School's headteacher Fiona Adams cited an increase in Covid-19 cases and the resulting impact on year group bubbles.

She added: "We expect to be able to reopen to the children of Key Workers from Monday 19th July and will continue this care until the end of term provided there are sufficient staff to enable safe and appropriately skilled care.

"Further communication relating to this group will be sent out in due course.

While this is regrettable, I am confident that we are acting responsibly to what has been a quickly developing situation.

"The view of the Governing Body is that in these unprecedented circumstances we must all do what we can to prevent any further spread of infection, and keep our school community safe."