Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced that New York City public schools will be closed in order to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The mayor also announced that there at least 329 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the city and at least five deaths from the virus. He says all of the patients who died had pre-existing conditions.

 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo sent out a tweet as well to confirm the closure of NYC schools. He says the city must have a plan in place within 24 hours to ensure students will still get the meals they need. 

De Blasio says the decision to close schools is part of what he calls a wartime approach to combat COVID-19.

 He said schools will close until at least April 20, and possibly reopen after the spring break.

Students will be expected to learn remotely - teachers will be educated on how to give lessons to kids at home this upcoming week. Remote teaching is expected to begin March 23. 

City officials say grab-and-go meals will be available for any student who needs breakfast or lunch for this coming week. It's unclear if schools will provide meals after that.

 

The school chancellor says remote learning will prevent students from falling into an educational slump.