Ulster and Dutchess County schools will be closed for two weeks in an attempt to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan made the announcement Friday afternoon "after extensive consultation with our health department ... as well as the new health and safety advisory task force." Around the same time, Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro declared a state of emergency in the county, closing Dutchess schools.

The closures begin Monday.

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"As a parent, I understand and know the impact that families and our community will feel," Ryan said. I understand the sacrifices and trade-offs this will entail, but I am fully confident we are making the right decision for our public health and safety."

Ryan said the decision would reduce the impact on the county and region in general "in the coming weeks, and potentially months."

This follows Governor Andrew Cuomo's statement at the Capitol that he will waive the requirement that New York schools be open 180 days to receive state funding.