A total of 69 ACT high schools and primary schools will be forced to close on Monday due to a "widespread use" of a Kmart colourful sand product linked to asbestos , with testing to take potentially days while authorities carry out inspections.

ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry confirmed a staggering number of additional school closures on Sunday afternoon after the ACCC confirmed a voluntary recall for the Kmart sand products.

"Unfortunately, these sand products are more widely used in our schools than the Office Work products," Ms Berry told a press conference.

"That means that while we would have been able to re-open many schools from Friday, we are now in a position that we need to close additional schools tomorrow."

As of Monday, a total of 69 ACT public schools will be fully

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