Our voices as UFT members were heard. We are greatly relieved to report that New York City public schools will be closing for five weeks, through the end of the spring break. Mayor Bill de Blasio has done the right thing to protect the health and safety of our students and school communities.

Students will not be returning to school this week. School staff will all stay home on Monday. At this moment, the staff will then report to work on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to prepare instructional plans for remote learning for their students during this interval. If that plan should change, we will notify you. On those three days, please observe every precaution on your commute and at school. New York City public schools will then be shuttered from Friday, March 20, through Friday, April 17.

The Department of Education and the UFT will be seeking volunteers to work during this period. A number of schools will be converted into community support centers for the duration of this crisis in order to feed and shelter our neediest children and to provide childcare for the children of first responders and health care workers who will report to work. If you are willing and able to work, your contribution will be greatly appreciated.

We face great challenges ahead as we navigate these new and uncharted waters. The health of our school communities had to come first, but as educators, we will do everything in our power to minimize the learning loss and the upheaval that this extended closure of schools will mean for our students.

We want to thank everyone who played a part during these past few days to convey the urgency of the situation to the mayor. There could be no greater expression of the power of our union.

With New York City schools shuttered for five weeks and families staying home as much as possible, we now have a fair shot at slowing the spread of this terrible virus.

Please stay safe and healthy.