Nebraska schools that are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic should be able to reopen on schedule this fall, the state’s education commissioner said.

Commissioner Matt Blomstedt said during a news conference last Thursday with Gov. Pete Ricketts that opening dates would depend on local health conditions, the Omaha World-Herald reported.

“I do think that there will be areas of the state that will be able to keep pretty much their regular calendar intact, and I think that’s what folks are interested in,” he said. “But we are also asking schools to be very thoughtful about digital and remote learning as we continue down that path.”

The shutdown caused by the virus also is forcing Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium to furlough workers and eliminate positions after cutting its budget by 36%. The zoo has been closed since March 16.

“Decisions affecting our staff are very difficult and not made lightly knowing their level of commitment,” Dennis Pate, president and CEO of the zoo, said in a statement.