Philadelphia Archdiocesan, public schools closed for 2 weeks

FOX 29's Jennifer Joyce reports.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia School District and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced the closure of all schools for two weeks to combat the outbreak of COVID-19.

School District of Philadelphia Superintendent William Hite says the closure is partly due to a staffing issue caused by the staffing issues.

"The closure is now necessary as neighboring where many of our district employees reside are asked to self-quarantine," Superintendent Hite said. "We wanted to do everything we could to keep schools open, but our inability to staff schools because of the decision of some of the surrounding counties have made that impossible."

The closure was announced prior to Gov. Tom Wolf closing all Pennsylvania schools for two weeks Friday afternoon.

"First and foremost, my top priority as governor – and that of our education leaders – must be to ensure the health and safety of our students and school communities," Gov. Wolf stated in his official release.

FULL COVERAGE: CORONAVIRUS

PENNSYLVANIA:

There are currently 41 COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania; including:

Montgomery County: 18

Bucks County: 3

Monroe County: 3

Delaware County: 6

Philadelphia: 3

Pike County: 1

Northampton County: 1

Wayne County: 1

Chester County: 1