Many Quebec school boards, some universities closed Friday due to COVID-19

Many school boards and several universities are shutting down Friday so administrations can respond to the Quebec government's recommended response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are the Montreal-area school boards that are closing schools on Friday:

• English Montreal School Board

• Lester B. Pearson School Board

• Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board.

• Riverside School Board.

• New Frontiers School Board.

• Commission scolaire de Montral.

• Commission scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys.

• Commission scolaire de la Seigneurie-des-Mille-les.

• Commission scolaire de Laval.

• Commission scolaire de la Pointe-de-l'le.

• Commission scolaire des Patriotes.

• Commission scolaire des Affluents.

• Commission scolaireMarie-Victorin.

• KahnawakeEducation Centre schools.

Universities

• McGill University is suspending classes Friday.

• Concordia University is suspending classes Friday to Sunday.

• Universit du Qubec Chicoutimi is suspending classes Friday.

Earlier in the day Thursday, as the Legault government unveiled its plan to stem the spread of the virus, Education Minister Jean-Franois Roberge said schools do not need to close at this time.

"Experts tell us that at this time, this is not the decision to make," Roberge told reporters at the National Assembly.

Regardless, school boards across the Montreal region decidedThursday evening that schools would be closed on Friday.

"To give ourselves some time to reflect upon the directives given to us today by the Quebec government and to provide a little more time for the EMSB to review protocols,we now wish to inform youthat all schools and centres will be closed on Friday," said EMSBspokesperson Mike Cohen in an email to parents late Thursday.

Here's what you need to know about preparing for COVID-19:

If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19, call 811 before heading to a hospital or a clinic to seek testing.

If you have general questions or concerns about COVID-19 or Quebec's response, not related to yourindividual health, you can call1-877-644-4545.The Quebec government is also posting up-to-date information on this web site.