Boston Public Schools Canceled For A Month

BOSTON — Mayor Marty Walsh announced all Boston Public Schools will close Tuesday, March 17. He said the intention is to reopen schools April 27, after spring break. The closure is part of an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus outbreak, according to Walsh.

The mayor stressed there was no evidence of the coronavirus at any of the schools.

"That being said, we've determined now is the time to take bold action," he said, noting he was in discussions with health and school officials.

The Tuesday closure gives families the opportunity to plan and students to gather their things, he said.

Although the closure came after consultation of health officials and union members said Walsh, it did not come easily. There are more than 54,000 students in 125 schools in Boston, according to the district website.

The mayor said his office was working on plans to accommodate students with special needs and those who depended on school meals.

Walsh reserved the possibility of bringing students back earlier if the coronavirus situation got better.

The Department of Public Health said there are 123 cases as of Friday afternoon, 15 more than Thursday's numbers (25 cases are in Boston). Ninety-four of the cases are related to the Biogen conference in February.

Earlier Friday Gov. Charlie Baker prohibited many large gatherings as the number of positive tests of the new coronavirus continued to increase across the state, but did not recommend school closures.

Boston joins dozens of school districts have closed for anywhere from two weeks to a month. You can see the full list here.

"This is a very difficult time, a very trying time," said Walsh.

Read More:

MA Coronavirus: Cases Increase As Large Gatherings Prohibited