Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced that schools in the state would be closed for the rest of the academic year.
“School closures are necessary to minimize the speed at which COVID-19 spreads and protect the capacity of our healthcare system,” the Democrat said during a press conference on Monday.
School division leaders will decide how to educate students through the remainder of the academic year.
“By tomorrow our Department of Education will issue guidance to help school divisions think through those decisions and ensure every student is served equitably,” Northam said.
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Governor Northam COVID-19 Briefing – March 23 https://t.co/u8kXFDq03u
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) March 23, 2020
The order applies to all schools K-12, both private and public, in the state.
“As disruptive as this will be for students, families, and staff, I believe it’s the right decision given the healthcare crisis we’re facing,” Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras said in a statement. “I applaud the Governor for taking this bold step now.”
Northam also ordered nonessential businesses to close. Restaurants can remain open for takeout, delivery, and curbside services. Recreation and entertainment services must also close, as well as personal care services.
Nonessential retail establishments may remain open if they allow 10 or fewer patrons and adhere to social distancing and increased sanitizing procedures. Essential businesses such as grocery stores and health services may also remain open by practicing increased sanitizing procedures and social distancing. The governor also banned all gatherings of more than 10 people.
The business closings will remain for at least 30 days.
As of noon Monday, around 3,700 Virginians had been tested for the coronavirus. The state has 254 positive cases and six deaths.
