Inslee Extends School Closures, Distance Learning to Continue

Governor Jay Inslee extended his closure of all public and private K-12 schools in the state Monday through the end of the school year, although schools will continue distance learning.

Speaking in an afternoon press conference, Inslee said, "This decision is made on the clear, epidemiological evidence that in order to give us a high degree of confidence that we will suppress this pandemic, we simply cannot take the chance of re-opening on-site instruction in this calendar school year."

Inslee's updated order encourages schools to begin planning for a potential expansion of the order, which could run into the summer and fall.

"This closure order will also allow educators to fully focus their energies and their amazing creative talents on the best way to provide education to their students in this challenging circumstance." Inslee continued, "If you're a senior in good standing, we expect you that will receive your diploma this year."

Some in-person meetings with seniors will be allowed under the order only if social distancing measures are followed.