Most Allegan County public schools were in session today, but all others in Michigan will be closed from March 16 to April 5 because of the threat of spreading the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Some closed Friday in other regions of the state, particularly in Kent County.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Thursday evening announced school closures because of a spike in the number of reported cases of the virus.

The closures in Wayland, Hopkins and Martin are on target to last until April 12 because of spring break, resulting i9n an extra week, but district officials may intervene to change spring break dates. The order extends to school day care and early childhood education centers run through public school buildings.

The governor also Thursday evening urged businesses to support their employees by arranging for paid leave available to enable them to stay home with their children. She added that state officials plan to work with local districts to provide access to for the children who normally rely on the school to provide it.

Meanwhile, state officials are trying to identify people who tested positive for the disease, who had come in contact with and where.