Queens schools won’t reopen until at least June to prevent coronavirus spread

Schools statewide will remain closed for the remainder of the academic year. PHOTO BY EDWIN J. TORRES/MAYORAL PHOTOGRAPHY OFFICE

By David Brand 

Public and private schools across the state will remain closed for in-person classes for the rest of the academic year in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Friday.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio last month made the decision to shut down city schools for the rest of the school year after first declaring a 34-day closure plan on March 15.

Cuomo’s order formalizes the school shutdown statewide.

“We must protect our students and educators, Cuomo said Friday. “So, we are going to have the schools remain closed for the rest of the year. We are going to continue the distance learning programs.”

Cuomo said the state would make a decision on in-person summer school by the end of the month.

The closure order includes all public and private K-12 schools and universities in the state.

Brooklyn Diocese School Superintendent Dr. Thomas Chadzutko, who oversees all Catholic schools in Queens and Brooklyn, said in statement Friday that he had “just learned” of Cuomo’s decision and praised students, teachers and staff for adapting to online learning.

“The distance and digital learning platforms in place will serve as the instructional program for our schools for the remainder of this academic year,” Chadzutko said.