Rhode Island to close all public schools next week

Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) on Friday said all of the state’s public schools will be closed next week due to the coronavirus.

The move, announced at a press conference, comes as the state tries to limit the outbreak after the number of confirmed cases in Rhode Island doubled overnight, according to a report from WPRI.

According to WPRI, nine more presumptive cases in Rhode Island have brought the total number of infected people to 14. A case is considered presumptive until the person is tested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Raimondo said Friday that she is moving up planned April vacations for schools in order to maintain the calendar for both students and teachers for the rest of the academic year.

Her remarks come as several states across the country have closed their school systems amid the outbreak. Officials in states like Oregon, Michigan, West Virginia and New Mexico have also shuttered schools to stem the spread of the virus.

During the press conference, Raimondo encouraged residents to “hang in there,” remain calm and stay informed about developments regarding the virus.

According to data compiled by The New York Times, the U.S. has more than 1,800 confirmed cases of the disease, claiming at least 41 lives.