All schools statewide will stay closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year under an order Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera signed Thursday.

Governor Tom Wolf announced the closure today after consulting about the decision with Rivera and Secretary of Health Rachel Levine. State legislation passed last month requires schools to continue remote learning until the end of the academic year, a date which schools will determine individually. Schools could possibly provide summer programming on the day after the school year ends, but no school buildings may reopen until Wolf lifts the closure.

The closure comes as the latest in the state’s response to the novel coronavirus pandemic, which as of Thursday has sickened 18,228 Pennsylvanians and killed 338. Wolf first closed schools for two weeks on March 13 before extending the closure by another week and then indefinitely. Wolf said that although the decision to close schools was tough to make, he believed it was the best way to keep students and families safe and healthy.

“We must continue our efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus during this national crisis,” Wolf said. “This was not an easy decision, but closing schools until the end of the academic year is in the best interest of our students, school employees and families.”

The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) has not yet confirmed the cancellation of winter sports championships or spring sports seasons, but they did say in a statement Thursday morning that they were committed to keeping students and schools safe and would “continue to follow the guidance” of the governor, the Department of Health and the Department of Education.

17 states, including Pennsylvania, have closed their schools for the rest of the year. All states have mandated some period of closure, with Missouri coming last on April 6. Some states are currently set to reopen as early as April 20, with most extending closures through April or into May.

In a video released Thursday morning explaining the closure, Wolf said that although schools are closed, everything schools provide — teaching, learning, free meals for kids, connections — will continue. He also thanked parents and students for their cooperation and perseverance in the face of the pandemic.

“I’m proud of you, and I hope you’re proud too,” Wolf said. “Thank you for everything you’re doing to ensure the health, safety and well-being of children all across Pennsylvania. We will get through this.”