124 NYC Schools Close In New Coronavirus Zones

NEW YORK CITY — More than 120 schools in new coronavirus closure zones across Brooklyn and Queens closed Thursday as the city tried to contain troubling outbreaks.

The mandatory closures in newly-minted "red" and "orange" zones affect more schools than city officials originally planned, according to a Department of Education release.

"There are 153 school sites in the 'Red' or 'Orange' Zones, and 169 sites total are closed," the release states. "The number of schools impacted is 124."

Schools can cover multiple buildings, or sites.

Schools in red and orange zones will be fully remote for at least 14 days, and those in nearby "yellow" zones must conduct mandatory weekly coronavirus testings.

In total, 308 public school buildings will conduct weekly testing starting Oct. 16, said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

He also said 16 schools the city closed before the state unveiled the closure zones will remain shuttered — they are in yellow zones.

“We’re going to keep those schools closed too,” he said.

The earliest that any school can reopen will be Oct. 21, but it could take longer, de Blasio said.

Here is a list of schools in the coronavirus zones: