npr:

The school year has come to an abrupt end for students across Kansas.

Gov. Laura Kelly announced that she has ordered classes K-12 to be closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, citing fears about the spread of the coronavirus disease COVID-19 and the “unprecedented emergency” it presents.

“This was not an easy decision to make,” Kelly said in a statement issued Tuesday.

“It came after close consultation with the education professionals who represent local school boards, school administrators and local teachers,” she explained. “These unprecedented circumstances threaten the safety of our students and the professionals who work with them every day and we must respond accordingly.”