On April 21, 2020, Governor Baker issued an order closing Massachusetts schools through the end of the 2019-2020 school year (the order does not apply to residential special education schools). The decision to keep schools closed was due in part to the fact that there is no “authoritative guidance” on how to operate schools safely and how to get students to and from schools safely while the state remains in the throes of the coronavirus pandemic. “We believe students therefore cannot safely return to school and avoid the risk of transmitting this virus to others,” said Governor Baker. “It’s the right thing to do, considering the facts on the ground associated with the COVID 19 pandemic.” While schools are physically closed, remote learning continues and in fact, plans are underway for expanding remote learning opportunities.
At the same time, the Governor also ordered the continued closure of all non-emergency child care programs through June 29, though programs for the children of health care workers, first responders, and other essential workers would continue.
In addition, the Baker-Polito administration announced new measures including deferred student loan payments, updated remote learning guidance and legislation to protect residents from evictions and foreclosures.
