© 2026 ABC News

In Washington State, where multiple cases of coronavirus have been reported, health officials have said there is no set protocol for school closures.

\"Our priority is the health and safety of our students, and we are taking extra steps to prevent and contain the disease,\" Seattle Public Schools said in a statement Wednesday.

While there are no confirmed cases in SPS staff or students, administrators said schools in the district are following the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and all district-sponsored out-of-state travel for staff and students through the end of the school year have been postponed.

Thanks to @OHAOregon, our #COVID19 Resources for Families and Schools document is now available in eight languages! Please feel free to share these and our other resources!https://t.co/sEfnJbANL7 pic.twitter.com/zG4nVGCsPv

— OR Dept of Education (@ORDeptEd) March 5, 2020

At a hearing with Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said her own daughter’s school district was closing in response to the novel coronavirus.

\"Schools across my state have had to cancel classes, one will remain closed for a least the rest of this week,\" Murray said Wednesday. \"I had a message sent to me in the middle of the night by my own daughter that her school district is closing down for two weeks at least. So, this is really impacting families.\"

The New York State Department of Health has partnered with hospitals to expand testing to 1,000 tests per day statewide for the new coronavirus. The state will also institute a new cleaning protocol in schools, in the public transportation system and elsewhere, which the governor said is a good idea during flu season anyway.

There are growing concerns in the U.S. for students who rely on meal programs through school and the association of school nutrition professionals wrote a letter to the Department of Agriculture to suggest emergency options for those at risk students if their school is closed.

They suggested authorizing schools to offer grab and go meals or expanding programs intended to offer meals during the summer months as possible options.

\"I believe Secretary Azar has some authority to expand aid welfare programs under the circumstances, but FEMA nor DHS do not have dollars available -- that would legally fit the description of the relief you are describing,\" DHS official Ken Cuccinelli said at a hearing Thursday. \"So that's something that I believe is being covered and addressed in the supplemental -- that is the appropriate vehicle.\"

China

Just two weeks ago, China was the only country mandating school closures. The novel coronavirus, known officially as COVID-19, emerged there in the city of Wuhan in December.

Official Resources and Recommendations in the U.S.

\"PHOTO:
Yoichi Hayashi/AP
PHOTO: Teachers talk with students who are at home during an online class at Nagoya International School in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, in Japan on March 5, 2020.
>

The CDC shared interim guidance for K-12 schools on how to plan, prepare and respond to COVID-19, based on what is known about the severity and transmission of the disease.

The CDC recommends schools work directly with local health departments to share information about the disease, identify resources for students and staff, update emergency operations plans and monitor and plan for absenteeism.

\"School plans should be designed to minimize disruption to teaching and learning and protect students and staff from social stigma and discrimination,\" the CDC said. \"Plans can build on everyday practices that include strategies for before, during, and after a possible outbreak.\"

Schools should promote disease prevention strategy

The U.S. Department of Education has released comprehensive guidance, information and resources for schools and personnel affected by interruptions as it relates to COVID-19.

Here's a snapshot of their collaborative efforts in coordination with state and local health officials, educational agencies and other preventative steps schools can take amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The CDC has fact sheets on COVID-19 and what to do if you're sick to help students, families and staff understand the novel coronavirus and steps to protect themselves.

What schools can do if cases of COVID-19 are identified

If schools are dismissed, the CDC recommends that schools consider the following steps: Temporarily cancel extracurricular group activities and large events; cancel or postpone events such as after-school assemblies and pep rallies, field trips, and sporting events; discourage students and staff from gathering or socializing anywhere; discourage gatherings at places like a friend’s house, a favorite restaurant, or the local shopping mall; Ensure continuity of education.

How to continue education in the case of school dismissal

Dr. Janet Taylor told ABC News it's important for parents to keep an open conversation with kids as they explore coronavirus on social media and shared tips on what to do if a child's school is closed due to the health outbreak.

\"Schools are still safe places and what we want to emphasize is a sense of normalcy,\" the psychiatrist explained. \"If your child is in a school that's closed, it's not play time you still want them to study. And again, it's a time to explain how the virus is spread and what symptoms may be like.\"

Taylor also added that parents should take any port of entry to talk to kids about the news.

\"Check in with them -- you can explore and get information together,\" she said. \"If they need to go to the doctor they can, but sometimes staying home may be safer for everyone.\"

Schools are urged to review continuity plans, including plans for the continuity of teaching and learning.

\"Implement e-learning plans, including digital and distance learning options as feasible and appropriate,\" the CDC said. The agency also said to determine the following factors in consultation with school district officials or other relevant state or local partners.

Readiness emergency management for schools

The REMS technical assistance center has resources here from federal agency partners for both K-12 and higher education when it comes to how to handle biological hazards, like COVID-19, on campus.

","canonicalUrl":"https://abcnews.com/International/global-impact-coronavirus-education/story?id=69411738","legacySlug":"/news/story/global-impact-coronavirus-education-69411738","noIndexNoFollow":false},"publishTime":"19:54","publishDate":"03-06-2020","updatedTime":"19:54","updatedDate":"03-06-2020","socialImage":{"alt":"Signs announcing a closure and cancelled activities are pictured at Ferrucci Junior High School after two schools were closed for cleaning due to flu-like symptoms of a relative in Puyallup, Washington, March 2, 2020.","credit":"Jason Redmond/Reuters","ratio":"16x9","url":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/coronavirus-school-closure-rt-jef-200302_hpMain_16x9_1600.jpg","width":992,"height":558},"datePublished":"3/6/2020 19:54:00 GMT","video":{"live":false,"id":69411738,"headline":"Global impact of coronavirus on education ","mediaAssetTitle":"CORONAVIRUS EDUCATION","description":"More than 290 million students have been disrupted worldwide by COVID-19.","duration":"1:33","posterImg":{"url":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/default-img-undefined.png","width":608,"height":342},"video":{"feed":"https://service-pkgabcnews.akamaized.net/opp/hls/abcnews/2020/01/200131_vod_coronavirus_explainer_,500,800,1200,1800,2500,3200,4500,.mp4.csmil/playlist.m3u8"},"playlist":["132055565","131830882","130993584"]},"relatedItems":[{"contentType":"video","date":"April 15, 2026","headline":"American influencer found dead in Tanzania","section":"News","slug":"/video/132055565","id":"132055565","image":{"alt":"VIDEO: American influencer found dead in Tanzania","credit":"ABCNews.com","ratio":"1x1","url":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260415_gma_norwood_ashlee2_732_hpMain_1x1_608.jpg","width":384,"height":384},"images":{"alt":"VIDEO: American influencer found dead in Tanzania","credit":"ABCNews.com","crops":[{"16x9":{"small":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260415_gma_norwood_ashlee2_732_hpMain_16x9_608.jpg","medium":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260415_gma_norwood_ashlee2_732_hpMain_16x9_992.jpg","large":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260415_gma_norwood_ashlee2_732_hpMain_16x9_1600.jpg"}},{"9x16":{"small":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260415_gma_norwood_ashlee2_732_hpMain_9x16_608.jpg","medium":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260415_gma_norwood_ashlee2_732_hpMain_9x16_992.jpg","large":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260415_gma_norwood_ashlee2_732_hpMain_16x9_1600.jpg"}},{"1x1":{"small":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260415_gma_norwood_ashlee2_732_hpMain_1x1_608.jpg","medium":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260415_gma_norwood_ashlee2_732_hpMain_1x1_992.jpg","large":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260415_gma_norwood_ashlee2_732_hpMain_1x1_1600.jpg"}}]}},{"contentType":"video","date":"April 8, 2026","headline":"Ceasefire analysis, unanswered questions ahead","section":"News","slug":"/video/131830882","id":"131830882","image":{"alt":"VIDEO: Ceasefire analysis, unanswered questions ahead","credit":"ABCNews.com","ratio":"1x1","url":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260408_gma_krl1_hpMain_1x1_608.jpg","width":384,"height":384},"images":{"alt":"VIDEO: Ceasefire analysis, unanswered questions ahead","credit":"ABCNews.com","crops":[{"16x9":{"small":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260408_gma_krl1_hpMain_16x9_608.jpg","medium":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260408_gma_krl1_hpMain_16x9_992.jpg","large":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260408_gma_krl1_hpMain_16x9_1600.jpg"}},{"9x16":{"small":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260408_gma_krl1_hpMain_9x16_608.jpg","medium":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260408_gma_krl1_hpMain_9x16_992.jpg","large":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260408_gma_krl1_hpMain_16x9_1600.jpg"}},{"1x1":{"small":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260408_gma_krl1_hpMain_1x1_608.jpg","medium":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260408_gma_krl1_hpMain_1x1_992.jpg","large":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260408_gma_krl1_hpMain_1x1_1600.jpg"}}]}},{"contentType":"video","date":"March 12, 2026","headline":"Winter whiplash plunges temperatures along the East Coast","section":"News","slug":"/video/130993584","id":"130993584","image":{"alt":"VIDEO: Winter whiplash plunges temperatures along the East Coast","credit":"ABCNews.com","ratio":"1x1","url":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260312_gma_zee_storm2_hpMain_1x1_608.jpg","width":384,"height":384},"images":{"alt":"VIDEO: Winter whiplash plunges temperatures along the East Coast","credit":"ABCNews.com","crops":[{"16x9":{"small":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260312_gma_zee_storm2_hpMain_16x9_608.jpg","medium":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260312_gma_zee_storm2_hpMain_16x9_992.jpg","large":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260312_gma_zee_storm2_hpMain_16x9_1600.jpg"}},{"9x16":{"small":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260312_gma_zee_storm2_hpMain_9x16_608.jpg","medium":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260312_gma_zee_storm2_hpMain_9x16_992.jpg","large":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260312_gma_zee_storm2_hpMain_16x9_1600.jpg"}},{"1x1":{"small":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260312_gma_zee_storm2_hpMain_1x1_608.jpg","medium":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260312_gma_zee_storm2_hpMain_1x1_992.jpg","large":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/260312_gma_zee_storm2_hpMain_1x1_1600.jpg"}}]}}],"relatedContentSection":"news","schemaContent":{"name":"Global impact of coronavirus on education ","description":"More than 290 million students have been disrupted worldwide by COVID-19.","duration":"1:33","uploadDate":"03-06-2020","publication":"03-06-2020","images":"https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/default-img-undefined.png","url":"https://service-pkgabcnews.akamaized.net/opp/hls/abcnews/2020/01/200131_vod_coronavirus_explainer_,500,800,1200,1800,2500,3200,4500,.mp4.csmil/playlist.m3u8","contentUrl":"https://service-pkgabcnews.akamaized.net/opp/hls/abcnews/2020/01/200131_vod_coronavirus_explainer_,500,800,1200,1800,2500,3200,4500,.mp4.csmil/playlist.m3u8","link":"https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/news/story/global-impact-coronavirus-education-69411738"}},"playlist":[{"id":"132054443","contentType":"story","section":"news"},{"id":"132054798","contentType":"story","section":"news"},{"id":"132033010","contentType":"story","section":"news"},{"id":"131912713","contentType":"story","section":"news"},{"id":"131830583","contentType":"story","section":"news"},{"id":"131834976","contentType":"story","section":"news"},{"id":"131554765","contentType":"story","section":"news"},{"id":"131554815","contentType":"story","section":"news"},{"id":"131543053","contentType":"story","section":"news"},{"id":"131432442","contentType":"story","section":"news"},{"id":"131121474","contentType":"story","section":"news"},{"id":"131247079","contentType":"story","section":"news"},{"id":"131228784","contentType":"story","section":"news"},{"id":"131178806","contentType":"story","section":"news"},{"id":"131142257","contentType":"story","section":"news"},{"id":"131046664","contentType":"story","section":"news"},{"id":"131048076","contentType":"story","section":"news"},{"id":"131033212","contentType":"story","section":"news"},{"id":"130999943","contentType":"story","section":"news"},{"id":"130971027","contentType":"story","section":"news"}],"kvps":{"pgtyp":"article","lang":"en","sp":"goodmorningamerica","programmatic":"true","bundleId":"com.abcnews"}},"analytics":{"accountID":"wdgnewwdgnewgmaweb","ns":"gma","pageName":"gma:news:video","pageType":"video","globalSpecVersion":"v1.08","siteDifferentiator":"gma:site","tagID":"g_page01","userABCookie":"0","section":"news","title":"Global impact of coronavirus on education ","pubTime":"14:54","pubDate":"03-06-2020","modTime":"14:54","modDate":"03-06-2020","taxonomyTags":"none","id":69411738,"editorialOtherSubjects":"","wordCount":"none","columns":"none","authors":"","authorsUnit":"none","authorsBureau":"none","subBrand":"Good Morning America","provider":"Good Morning America","videoName":"Global impact of coronavirus on education ","mediaAssetTitle":"CORONAVIRUS EDUCATION","videoId":69411738,"mediaOnPage":"video","legacySlug":"/news/story/global-impact-coronavirus-education-69411738"},"taboola":{}},"request":{"headers":{},"httpVersion":"1.1","method":"GET","url":"/video/69411738","vary":{"host":"www.goodmorningamerica.com","cached":true,"path":"/video/69411738","forwarded-proto":"https","device":"desktop","userab":"0"}},"viewport":{"width":1260,"height":0},"user":{}};