In this photo taken February 3, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee delivers his State of the State Address in the House Chamber in Nashville. Lee declared a state of emergency Thursday, March 12, to help the state address the spread of the new coronavirus. Mark Humphrey/AP

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced today that all schools statewide will be closing by this Friday in response to the novel coronavirus outbreak.

"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," Lee said in a statement.

He added: "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."