NOW: @GovInslee @waOSPI announce mandatory school closures through April 24th for Pierce/King/Snohomish counties for all private/public schools listen live @KIRORadio @Mynorthwest
@GovInslee says closing schools was difficult decision but with #CoronaOutbreak cases expected to continue to grow health experts say it will help slow the spread. @KIRORadio
@GovInslee asks superintendents of all effected districts to have plan to make sure all kids who need food or who are homeless her get what they need. Urges ALL businesses to do everything they can to allow everyone worker to work from home @KIRORadio #CoronavirusOutbreak
@GovInslee says this order does NOT mean schools cannot use their facilities for child care so long as they follow strict protective precautions/guidelines @KIRORadio #CoronavirusOutbreak
While mandatory school closures only impact the 3 counties right now @GovInslee strongly urges other districts to have a closure plan as those orders could come soon. @KIRORadio #CoronavirusOutbreak
Now @chrisreykdal says it’s a very different world than it was just a few days ago. This order effects more than 600k students - more than HALF Washington student population. @KIRORadio #CoronavirusOutbreak
@chrisreykdal @GovInslee say everyone expects this to still grow and this dramatic move is needed to protect adults at higher risk which includes bus drivers, teachers and others @KIRORadio #CoronavirusOutbreak
This could be just the beginning @chrisreykdal says first day students could return to class 4/27 - BUT stresses order could be extended. Also says with length of time before a vaccine all need to prepare for us to still be doing this in Fall @KIRORadio #CoronavirusOutbreak
@chrisreykdal says state testing assessments will likely be suspended statewide, but will work with seniors for graduation & juniors for college prep/SATS @KIRORadio #CoronavirusOutbreak
Asked why not close schools statewide @GovInslee says order could come tomorrow or next day as rapidly evolving situation @KIRORadio #CoronaVirusSeattle
IMPORTANT: @chrisreykdal says while students will likely make up some missed days it appears mathematically impossible for all of days to be made up - they are going to miss some instructional days for this school year - will work with seniors @KIRORadio #CoronavirusOutbreak
@GovInslee tells all colleges to that aren’t already to prepare for remote learning @KIRORadio #CoronavirusOutbreak
On word of @POTUS thinking about banning travel to/from WA @GovInslee says that has not come up & hopes that doesn’t come to pass @KIRORadio #CoronavirusOutbreak
@GovInslee says if ability for schools to remote teach that’s great but not all districts can, not all have internet access so cannot create that expectation @KIRORadio #CoronavirusOutbreak @waOSPI
At least 4 times in this press conference @GovInslee @chrisreykdal stress the need for all schools to plan for closures suggesting a statewide order could come soon @KIRORadio #CoronavirusOutbreak
@GovInslee says @NationalGuard already helping behind scenes and at the ready for visible help if needed - says we cannot sugar coat the impact of the virus or school closures encourages all to work together @KIRORadio #CoronavirusOutbreak
Here is the release from @waOSPI 👇 
And here is release from @GovInslee w/full details here 👉 medium.com/wagovernor/ins… find more information at @Mynorthwest @KIRORadio #CoronavirusOutbreak
Here’s why they say all of these actions are important @WADeptHealth secretary says current models show w/out these actions WA could have 25k cases by next month @KIRORadio #CoronavirusOutbreak
Corrected release from @GovInslee to accurately reflect initial dates of school closures 3/17 - 4/24 - 6 weeks, but again this can be extended @KIRORadio #CoronavirusOutbreak #973FM
