Schools in New York will close for two weeks, starting Wednesday at the latest, and won’t reopen until April 1 at the earliest to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday afternoon.
Schools were closed statewide through an executive order from Cuomo, who initially moved to close schools in New York City, Westchester County, and on Long Island over the weekend.
Several counties throughout the state had already moved to close schools within their jurisdiction in recent days, but Cuomo’s order will mandate facilities to close statewide for at least two weeks.
"The single most effective way to slow the spread of this virus is to reduce close contacts, and that includes in our schools," Cuomo said. "I am directing the closure of all schools throughout the state for two weeks as we continue working aggressively to ramp up testing, isolate those who are sick and mitigate the impacts of this virus.”
Each district will be required to submit a plan to the State Education Department for how they’ll continue to teach students outside their facilities, like through digital technology and distance learning.
Districts will also be required to come up with a plan for feeding students in their area who regularly rely on schools for meals. Schools will also have to come up with a daycare plan for students, particularly those with parents who work in health care.
The State Education Department, Cuomo’s Office said, will be allowed to amend or modify those plans at any time.
School districts in New York City, Westchester County, and on Long Island are required to submit plans for those concerns by the end of the night Monday, Cuomo said. Other districts don’t have to close until Wednesday.