Four Cole County public school districts and five parochial schools have extended their closures through May 1.
These include the Jefferson City School District, Blair Oaks R-2 School District, Cole R-1 School District in Russellville, Cole R-5 School District in Eugene, Calvary Lutheran High School, Trinity Lutheran School, Immanuel Lutheran School in Honey Creek, River Oak Christian Academy and Lighthouse Preparatory Academy.
These schools will reopen no earlier than Monday, May 4.
School leaders decided to extend the closure because of "the extension of federal social distancing guidelines, the continued increase in COVID-19 cases across Missouri, and the confirmation from Cole County Health Department officials of community spread in our area," according to a news release from the Jefferson City School District on behalf of Cole County schools.
The Diocese of Jefferson City announced Tuesday that its schools - including Helias Catholic High School and Immaculate Conception, St. Joseph Cathedral and St. Peter grade schools in Jefferson City - will remain closed through April 30.
School leaders will continue to assess the situation and share information as any further decisions are made.