SC Gov. Henry McMaster has announced the closing of all SC schools starting Monday through the end of the month in response to COVID-19.

Student instruction will continue via eLearning and school buses are being equipped with the ability to deliver Internet to students at designated sites, said SC Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman at a Sunday news conference where McMaster announced the school closings. 

Spearman also said that summer feeding programs will be set-up during the closing for students who are part of the free and reduced lunch program. 2 meals a day will be available, in the form of grab-and-go, according to Spearman, and will be available for pick up or delivery. 

Spearman also said she will seek a waiver from the US Department of Education to suspend federally required student assessments for this year. The tests are traditionally administered during the spring. 

On Friday, McMaster declared a state of emergency and ordered the schools in Kershaw and Lancaster counties closed. Those counties had reported coronavirus cases. COVID-19 cases have now been reported in Lexington, Beaufort, and Horry counties.