Gov. Inslee orders schools closed in King, Snohomish, Pierce Counties

OLYMPIA, Wash.-- Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is calling for the closure of schools in three counties in the state in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Inslee made the announcement Thursday afternoon, just a day after asking businesses and organizations to cancel any public or private events that would have 250 or more people in attendance.

The school closures were ordered for King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties, which have been most effected by the virus outbreak, and are set to go into effect no later than Tuesday, March 17th. The schools must remain closed until Friday, April 24, with classes resuming on Monday, April 27th.

"We know school closures impact families," Inslee said while making the announcement. "But we must take the difficult steps necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19."

Inslee said schools will continue providing services for students, such as school meals. School administrators are also being asked to provide free childcare for families of medical professionals and first responders.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Chris Reykdal says the move impacts 600,000 children in the three affected counties.

Reykdal says there will be no way for the impacted school districts to make up six weeks or more of instruction, though the districts will be expected to try making up at least some of the missed days.

While the current closures only impact the three most-affected counties, Inslee says he could expand to other counties if the virus continues to spread.

For the latest COVID-19 health information, statistics, and guidance, visit the Washington State Department of Health website.