It's hard to know where to start this newsletter as we face this unprecedented situation. Each day of the Coronavirus pandemic the unthinkable seems to become reality. 

Obviously the question whether schools should close is a tough one for parents.

Most of us are worried and really confused. We are getting lots of mixed messages, although the government advice is that schools should stay open for the time being. Here's why.

• Chief health officer Brendan Murphy explains why the Government isn't shutting schools at this stage

Some of the arguments being put forward about keeping kids in schools seem to be about keeping parents at work, and while the government is currently saying schools should stay open, independently lots of health professionals are saying schools should be closed.

The impact of school closures on working parents will be huge, but the priority for parents will always be the wellbeing of their family. Many worry about the impact on children's education, especially those at the pointy end of their schooling, but no-one wants to take chances. Parents are also uncomfortable that teachers, many of whom are also parents, are being asked to put themselves at risk.

Many people are already keeping their kids home if they can, especially those with children with risk factors like asthma.

Everyone understands that managing the spread of Coronavirus is challenging, but confusion just adds to everyone's anxiety.

What most parents want are clear messages, clear decisions and up to date information. If schools do close we need support and advice on how to manage 'social distancing' so we can make appropriate arrangements to care for kids, minimise the impact on their education and keep working if possible.

Please let us know via our poll if you think schools should stay open or close.

We've included lots of relevant info and articles on all the issues raised by Coronavirus in this newsletter, as well as other regular news.

In the meantime, the team at APC wishes everyone well. Stay safe, try to look out for yourselves and others around you (and keep washing your hands).