Gov. Larry Hogan extended the closure of public schools due to the COVID-19 emergency, and Montgomery County Public Schools began distributing laptops to students needing them for distance learning.

The closures are in effect until at least April 24 and all extracurricular programs, athletic programs are cancelled, according to the MCPS website.

The district will continue to provide free breakfast, lunch and dinner meals to all children at more than 40 sites.

Immediately following the governor’s announcement, Montgomery County libraries, Parks and the Recreation Department announced the current closures of those facilities would continue as well.

In addition, all indoor and outdoor uses permitted by Community Use of Public Facilities will be closed through Thursday, April 30. Locally, this includes schools, the Silver Spring Regional Service Center, Veterans Plaza, and playing fields.

The school system’s distribution of laptops began this morning at county high schools and will continue this afternoon and Friday at selected elementary schools. Middle school students can pick up a laptop at their closest elementary schools.

Parents and students pick up laptops at Montgomery Blair High School. Photo by Mike Diegel.