NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) – Gov. Bill Lee is urging all school districts across the state to close as soon as it is “practically possible” amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lee is urging schools to close as soon as possible with all schools expected to close by Friday, March 20. Schools should remain closed through March 31, according to the release.

Coronavirus in Tennessee: How school systems are responding after Gov. Lee urges closures

Lee said his administration will work with both the federal government and school districts to ensure essential support systems are in place, like providing meals for students over the course of the closures.

“As the response to COVID-19 evolves, I urge every school district in Tennessee to close as soon as practically possible, with all schools expected to close by Friday, March 20, 2020, at the latest. Schools should remain closed through March 31, 2020, to further mitigate the spread of this infectious disease and we will issue further guidance prior to March 31. Superintendents and local leadership have the full support of my administration to determine effective dates for closure this week as they evaluate what is best for families within their respective districts. We understand the tremendous burden school closure places on families and we will continue to work with both the federal government and school districts to ensure we continue essential supports like meals for students in need. Every Tennessean has a role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and I urge Tennesseans to be quick to help neighbors as new needs surface with the closure of schools.”

Gov. Bill Lee

This is a developing story and we’ll continue to update the details as they become available.

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