Several US states close schools to halt coronavirus

At least six US states have ordered schools to close in an attempt to curb the spread of the new coronavirus which has infected more than 1,660 people across the country.

Schools in Ohio, Michigan, Oregon, Maryland, Kentucky and New Mexico were told to shut from Monday for at least two weeks, affecting millions of students and likely to cause problems for many low income families who rely on free or subsidized school meals.

"This is a necessary step to protect our kids, our families, and our overall public health," Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement Thursday night announcing the closure of the state's schools until April 6.

"I am working with partners across state government to ensure educators, parents, and students have the support they need during this time, and to ensure our children who rely on school for meals have access to food," she said.

Kentucky governor Andy Beshear recommended schools close for at least two weeks and the state was making arrangements to continue feeding children from low income families.

Nearly 75 percent of the 650,000 children attending public schools in Kentucky are eligible for free or reduced-price meals, according to the state education department.

Maryland governor Mike Hogan closed schools for two weeks and banned all gatherings of more than 250 people among a series of measures to tackle the coronavirus.

"This problem continues to evolve and will escalate rapidly and dramatically," Hogan said.

"For Marylanders, the actions I have announced here today will be disruptive to your everyday lives. They may seem extreme, and they may sound frightening. But they could be the difference in saving lives and keeping people safe."
"We have seen other states take this measure after they have experienced community spread of this virus. New Mexico is going to be proactive and do everything we can to prevent the potential spread of the virus."