Pennsylvania schools will remain closed through the end of the academic year in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Gov. Tom Wolf made the announcement on Thursday morning.

He was quick to note, though, that the closure “doesn’t mean learning will stop in Pennsylvania.”

He called the closure a “critical step to take” but “not an easy decision to make.”

Wolf said “Pennsylvanians have stepped up in response to this unprecedented situation” and highlighting educational efforts in homes across the Commonwealth, volunteers who are packing meals and teachers who continue to provide learning opportunities for students “from a distance.”

“Many of the important things that schools provide will continue,” he added. “Teaching and learning will continue. Free meals for kids will continue. Connections, they’ll continue. This virus has not stopped you from helping your children to safely learn, grow and know they’re cared about every single day.

“I’m proud of you and I hope you’re proud, too,” he said, thanking Pennsylvanians for their efforts. “We will get through this.”

A full story will be in Friday’s Times Observer.