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The latest on COVID-19 in Arizona.

Gov. Ducey, St. Schools Superintendent Close All Arizona Schools

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey together with State Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman announced Sunday that Arizona schools, including private schools, would be shutting down, due to increased Centers for Disease Control guidelines on limiting public gatherings due to the coronavirus. 

Superintendent Hoffman said the State Education Department had been in contact with education leaders and school administrators and parents for several days.

Superintendent Hoffman that due to those discussions "We are announcing a statewide closure of all Arizona schools, from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27."

Gov. Ducey said the decision to close state schools was not made lightly.

"The health and safety of all our students is our top priority and we’ve worked hard to keep school doors open," Ducey said.  "These are important assets in our communities and many families rely on them for nutrition and access to health care."

The governor and state education superintendent said they are working on a way to make sure school employees do not see a disruption in their pay.  The State Department of Education has also secured a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for schools in low income areas to begin serving school breakfasts and lunches like they do in the summer for anyone 18 and under.  Superintendent Hoffman urged parents to contact their local schools about the school lunches.

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