The Gauteng department of social development has instructed all early childhood centres across the province to close this week.

Department spokesperson Thabiso Hlongwane said the department was adhering to the measures announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Ramaphosa declared a state of disaster on Sunday after the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country reached more than 60.

Ramaphosa implemented bans and restrictions regarding schools, universities, prisons, visas, travel and group gatherings.

Hlongwane said the department had instructed all early childhood development and special care centres to be closed from Wednesday to April 15.

“We have taken operational and precautionary measures to close all special care and early childhood centres for the safety and protection of our society.

“You are further urged to encourage families to adopt good health and hygiene practices regularly. We will continue to monitor the containment of the pandemic and advise accordingly.”