North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued an executive order on Saturday that directed all K-12 public schools in the state to take at least a two week break.

The declaration is the latest step to mitigate the ongoing spread of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 throughout North Carolina. In addition to canceling schools, Cooper’s order also requests the cancellation of any mass gatherings of more than 100 people across the state.

North Carolina Superintendent Mark Johnson also shared brief comments at Saturday’s press conference, supporting Cooper’s decision.

Orange County Schools and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools had previously announced an extended spring break for students, with courses moving to fully online instructions and no students returning to school until at least April 3.

As of Saturday afternoon, there are 23 identified cases of COVID-19 in North Carolina.

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