All of Seattle's public schools are now closed until April 24

Seattle Public Schools have announced that beginning Thursday, March 12, all schools in the King, Snohomish and Pierce counties will be closed for a minimum of two weeks as a measure to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Governor Jay Inslee said on Thursday that all public and private K-12 schools in King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties will close until April 24.

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“We do not take these decisions lightly and I am fully aware of the various impacts this has on families and communities,” Inslee said during a press conference in Olympia. “Today’s decision has a full range of implications from learning plans and childcare, to free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch, just to name a few.

“I anticipate this will cause ripple effects throughout our state. But we can’t afford not to do it. We must ensure that we slow the spread of this virus.”

Seattle Public Schools will also be putting into place an emergency food plan on Monday and will be providing more information regarding closures and emergency plans on Friday.