New York City public schools will stay closed for the remainder of the school year due to the coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced at a news conference Saturday morning, but the announcement was thrown into question later by the governor.

The mayor said it wasn't an easy decision, but one that the city believes will save lives. He commended the city's educators for stepping up and transitioning quickly to distance learning.

But Gov. Andrew Cuomo said at his own news conference that de Blasio's announcement represented the mayor's "opinion," and said there has been "no decision" on closing schools statewide or in the city yet. 

Cuomo said there must be more coordination -- both with county executives in New York and with neighboring states.

"At the end of the day, the decision must be at a minimum for the metropolitan area, hopefully statewide -- ideally, regional with Connecticut and New Jersey. That's my goal -- coordinate school and business," Cuomo said.

The governor added that the "legal authority" rested with him to close the schools.

A spokeswoman for the mayor responded to Cuomo's remarks in a tweet, saying "Schools will remain closed."

De Blasio outlined a five-point plan to build upon the social distancing efforts rolled out already, including making sure all students have devices this month, expanding online programming, ensuring that senior students graduate, expanding parental support, and preparing to reopen in September while combatting learning loss.

City public schools, which make up the nation's largest public school system, have been closed since March 16 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

- New York City public schools will be closed for the rest of the schools year, Mayor Bill de Blasio says.

- He says it's to prevent transmission of coronavirus, and that its expected for the virus to continue spreading in May.

- "The risk did not outweigh the reward," de Blasio says in regards to letting children go back to school.

- He says that distance learning for public schools has been successful.

- De Blasio also announced a five-point plan to serve students and families due to schools remaining closed.

- The first point: The complete deliveries of internet-enabled digital devices for remote learning to all remaining students by end of April.

- The second point: Expanding the parent help line and tech support hours and staffing.

- The third point: Launching new online activities and programs.

- The fourth point: Ensuring that 75,000 senior students in public schools graduate.

- The fifth point: Prepare to reopen in September and combat learning loss.

-Beyond school updates, the mayor outlined plans to use hotels to help homeless people in the city maintain social distancing.