Governor Parson has ordered all public and charter schools to remain closed through the academic year.

He says the only exception will be for nutrition and childcare services outlined in the order.

Parson says he made the decision after talking with the Department of Education and superintendents from districts both large and small.

Students can continue to learn online through the end of the academic year.

Parson says the state will work with local districts so high school seniors can get the chance to have a graduation ceremony and get their diplomas.

We are ordering all Missouri public and charter schools to remain closed through the remainder of the academic year with the exceptions of nutrition and child care services that are outlined in our recent health order. pic.twitter.com/umYYkszu7l

— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) April 9, 2020

There are 3,539 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Missouri.

77 people have died.