We know that you need accurate and up-to-date information about the effects of the coronavirus in the state and our region. The Forsyth County News is making this article available free to non-subscribers as a public service. Please consider subscribing to the Forsyth County News.

Gov. Brian Kemp on Monday issued an executive order closing all public primary, secondary and post-secondary schools from March 18 to March 31.

This extends closures for many school systems, which were already closed and/or conducting online learning.

"To keep our students, teachers, and administrators safe and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, I am ordering the closure of all public elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools in Georgia from March 18, 2020 to March 31, 2020," Kemp said in an emailed release. "This measure is critical to reducing local transmission in communities across our state, and I ask Georgians to continue to follow best practices - washing their hands regularly, isolating the elderly and chronically ill, and avoiding large events if possible - in the days and weeks ahead."

Forsyth County Schools announced last week the closure of all local schools and will hold online learning days, with teachers leading lessons from home.

Local campuses for the University of North Georgia and Lanier Technical College, have also announced closures. UNG suspended classes until March 30, while Lanier Tech extended its spring break through March 23.