Photo: Screenshot of NCDPS livestream

Governor Roy Cooper held a press conference on Saturday to announce the closure of public schools for two weeks. Starting Monday, there is no school for students from March 16-30.

The Governor’s Executive Order mandates that all K-12 schools across our state to close for two weeks beginning Monday. The Order has limits mass gatherings to no more than 100 people.

Governor Cooper stated, “Today, I am issuing an Executive Order to stop mass gatherings of more than 100 people across our state. As you know we issued this as guidance on Thursday. However, despite this several venues continued their events, so today’s order makes it mandatory. No concert is worth the spread of this pandemic.”

He continued, “This Executive Order has another key component. It directs K-12 public schools across our state to close for students on Monday, March 16 for at least 2 weeks. Several school districts have already made this decision & others are considering closures. Closing schools now will give us time for further understanding of COVID-19 and its effect on the people of our state. I do not make this decision lightly. We know that it will be difficult on many parents and students.”

Mark Johnson, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, sent out an email at 3:47 p.m. stating, “If possible, please work to keep school buildings open on Monday as a teacher workday to allow staff and students to access the schools to retrieve personal items/resources.”