Lincoln – The governor has ordered Nebraska schools to remain closed to students through May 31 as officials reported that the state’s COVID-19 death toll has continue to climb.

Students have been taking their lessons at home via online classes since schools began closing last month as the coronavirus pandemic spread through Nebraska. Gov. Pete Ricketts’ order, issued last Wednesday, ensures the children won’t be returning this school year to the close quarters of their classrooms.

The governor also canceled school extracurricular activities, but he said that the closures don’t apply to staff working in schools.

– Associated Pres