School out indefinitely, PIAA stays postponed

The statuses of the PIAA winter sports championships and spring sports season still remain unclear.

Schools across Pennsylvania will remain shut down indefinitely, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Monday. During a press conference Monday afternoon, Wolf said the ongoing coronavirus crisis and the need for social distancing led him to his decision. Schools already have been closed for more than two weeks, with students not scheduled to return to class until at least April 9. The last day students were allowed in Pennsylvania schools was March 13.

The PIAA met via teleconference Monday and held firm to their postponement of the winter championships as well as the spring season. No decision was made on any cancellation of these events.

“As for 2020 winter and spring sports, no action was taken regarding the start of spring sports or the possible re-start of the winter championships,” the PIAA said in a released statement. “This afternoon, Governor Wolf announced all schools are to remain closed indefinitely. PIAA will continue to receive and assess information from the Governor’s office, the Department of Health and the Department of Education before making any decisions regarding re-starting sports activities.”

After adding four new members to the list of counties under “stay-at-home” orders — Carbon, Cumberland, Dauphin and Schuylkill — Wolf said he was going to scrap end dates for closures of schools and businesses.

“Now, I’m going to leave the date indefinite,” he said.

The stay-at-home order was also extended to April 30.

The governor said his closure order, which was originally for two weeks and later extended, will last until it is safe for students to return to class.

“Right now it isn’t safe,” he said.