Coronavirus forces NY school buildings to close through at least April 29, Gov. Cuomo announces

As New York continues to fight the spread of coronavirus, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday that school buildings statewide will remain closed through at least April 29 — about two weeks longer than originally planned. 

“We have to continue the social distancing,” Cuomo said. “Public health still demands that we stay on pause.” 

In New York City, schools were originally scheduled to be closed through April 20. But Mayor Bill de Blasio has repeatedly warned that buildings are likely to remain shuttered for even longer — possibly for the remainder of the school year. City officials did not immediately respond to questions about when school might reopen.

The country’s largest school system has shifted all teaching and learning online, which has been a heavy lift for teachers who had to adapt within just days. Additionally, the city estimated some 300,000 students needed devices to complete their work.

Late last week, New York City educators and students learned that instruction would continue through the previously scheduled spring break — sparking an outcry from exhausted teachers. Officials said Monday that remote instruction will continue for the duration of the extended shutdown, too. 

“We will continue to support all our students, families, and educators to keep the learning going every day,” the New York City schools account announced in a tweet.