Hartlepool College of Further Education and RSPB Salthome at Billingham the latest coronavirus closures

The college in Stockton Street will close until further notice from 4.30pm on Friday, March 20.

All face-to-face services will cease but all teaching, learning and assessment practice will continue online.

Students will be expected to complete as much of their coursework as possible for eventual grading later in the year.

The college said on its website on Thursday, March 19: “In light of COVID-19, the College continues to adapt and offer its services in different ways.

“Support will continue to be offered to those students who need this most.

“All other face-to-face services offered by the College are now ceased – this includes the luminary salons, gym and conferencing facilities.

“Be safe and look after yourself and your loved ones.”

It comes after the government announced the closure of all schools in England to try to slow the spread of the virus.

Hartlepool Sixth Form College suspended face-to-face learning for all of its university-level courses and adult provision on Wednesday.

Elsewhere, nature reserve RSPB Saltholme, near Billingham, has closed its Visitor Centre, cafe and shop.

Access to the reserve and its hides remains open as normal but says visitors are responsible for their own hygiene and social distancing.

Saltholme said: “We want people to enjoy our wonderful reserve for as long as they can, but please help keep it safe and respect our amazing wildlife during this difficult time.”

Related: National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool closes ‘with heavy heart’