Texas schools to stay closed for rest of academic year, governor says

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said Friday that Texas schools would remain closed for the rest of the school year but that other aspects of life would soon begin to slowly reopen.

Abbott also said that he’s forming a new task force comprised of lawmakers, businesses leaders and doctors that will create a reopening strategy.

“Texans are battling a colossal challenge — an invisible enemy that has tested our lives and our livelihoods — but overcoming challenges is part of who we are as Texans,” Abbott said. “We have shown that Texas can continue our efforts to contain COVID-19 while also adopting safe standards that will allow us to begin the process of reopening Texas.”

The governor also said executive orders would be used to reopen Texas businesses gradually. Additionally, he said that state parks would be reopened starting next week but reiterated that residents still need to wear masks and practice social distancing.

Iowa also called off school for the rest of the year on Friday.

“While I would like nothing more than to open up our schools and classrooms in May, we have to prioritize the health and safety of Iowans,” Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) said in a statement.

“With our students at home, we must rely on continuous learning plans that are in place and prepare school districts for ‘Return to Learn’ in the fall,” she added.

Schools across the country have been closed for almost a month due to the spread of COVID-19. While some school districts have been able to utilize virtual learning, other districts lack the proper technology to reach all of their students.