NYC Public Schools will be closed for at least the next four weeks starting Monday due to rising concerns over the coronavirus outbreak.

City officials made the decision Sunday to close the schools until April 20. Mayor Bill de Blasio says it is even possible for schools to remain closed until the end of the school year.

The announcement came after a widespread outcry from teachers and parents to temporarily close down schools for safety concerns, specifically to minimize the spread of the virus.

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Students will transition to remote learning from home.

 

All teachers and principals will report to their schools for training as they transition to online classes from March 17 through March 19.

Students who will need anything from laptops to other devices for remote learning will be able to go to their schools from March 19 through March 20 to pick up those devices. School officials are advising parents to keep an eye out for emails.

Remote learning will officially begin on March 23. Officials say it is something that has never been done before, but Chancellor Richard Carranza says they are positive it will work with the help of everyone involved.

News 12 is told there will be locations set up in place around the boroughs where children of health care workers, transit workers and first responders can be dropped off for remote learning.

Despite the school closures, "grab and go" breakfast has been put in place. Students will be able to go to their schools and get breakfast and lunch throughout this week.