Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made that announcement "in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan."

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered all Michigan K-12 school buildings to be closed from Monday March 16 through Sunday April 5. At this time, schools are scheduled to re-open Monday April 6. Here's her tweet.

The Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Detroit, which includes Monroe County, had already announced closings for March 13 and 16. (See March 13 school announcements.)

In the meantime, Monroe County's public school superintendents had announced restrictions such as no field trips and limited visitors, starting March 13. And numerous colleges in Michigan are taking steps to move toward online learning classes, including Monroe County Community College.

It has happened in recent years that Michigan schools closed for up to a week at a time because of weather conditions; and on occasion a school will close because of illness or low absenteeism related to illness. But it is unprecedented in recent memory to have such a lengthy emergency closing.

In an earlier move by that state's governor, Ohio schools also have been put on a three week "spring break."

"I am working with partners across state government to ensure state educators, parents and students have the support they need, and to ensure our children who rely on school for meals have access to food," Whitmer said via Twitter Thursday night.

"I know this will be a tough time, but we're doing this to keep the most people we can safe. I urge everyone to make smart choices during this time and to do everything they can to protect themselves and their families."

Whitmer also recommended the public stay informed with notices and announcements that are at Michigan.gov/coronavirus and cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Click here to read an explanation of how the governor's order affects Catholic schools in Archdiocese of Detroit, including Monroe County.

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This is among the articles The Monroe News is making available for free as a public service to our readers during the coronavirus outbreak. You can find more news and announcements for Monroe County readers at our coronavirus special section.

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