LANSING, Mich. (WWJ) -- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced she is ordering the closure of all K-12 school buildings to students in the state of Michigan for three weeks in order to slow the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan.
The closure affects all public, private, and boarding schools, starting Monday, March 16 and lasting until Sunday, April 5. School buildings are scheduled to reopen on Monday, April 6.
An estimated 1.5 million students will be impacted.
As of Thursday night, the number of presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Michigan is 12. State officials announced 10 new cases across the state, following the initial two cases Tuesday.
“This is a necessary step to protect our kids, our families, and our overall public health,” Whitmer said.
“I am working with partners across state government to ensure educators, parents, and students have the support they need during this time, and to ensure our children who rely on school for meals have access to food. I know this will be a tough time, but we’re doing this to keep the most people we can safe. I urge everyone to make smart choices during this time and to do everything they can to protect themselves and their families.”
Whitmer also acknowledged the impact the closures will have on families and businesses across the state. She said officials will work directly with local school districts to provide guidance and help children who need it access food during the closures.
"Businesses must step up and provide help if their employees need it," Whitmer said. "We are doing everything we can to ensure that our families have the support that they need during school building closures."
Chief Medical Executive and Chief Deputy Director for MDHHS, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, said "closing our school buildings is the smart thing and the right thing to do for the public’s health."
"These actions will help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan. I will continue to work with Governor Whitmer and our four COVID-19 task forces to ensure we protect our children, our families and our communities," she added.
Many schools had already begun to take measures themselves, closing for the remainder of this week, and taking steps to setup online learning programs, though many schools and families do not have those capabilities. It is not clear which schools, if any, will utilize online learning during the state-ordered closure.
“Closing our K-12 school buildings is the responsible choice that will minimize the risk of exposure for children, educators, and families and mitigate the spread of coronavirus,” said Michigan State Superintendent Michael Rice. “The Department of Education will continue to work closely with our partners in state government to help our students and educators in each school district get through this time. This is about protecting the most people in Michigan.”
Governors across the country, including Mike DeWine (R-OH), Andy Beshear (D-KY), and Larry Hogan (R-MD), have taken similar steps to close schools and ensure the protection of children and families in their states.