Albert Lea Area Schools announced Sunday afternoon that schools will be closed starting Monday and continuing through March 27, as ordered by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

On March 30, the district will begin to implement its E-learning plan for all students in early childhood through 12th grade.

A message to parents said more information will be forthcoming on the distribution of Chromebook and iPads for students in kindergarten through fifth grades. The school district is also developing a plan for the distribution of student meals.

All district staff are asked to report to their buildings Monday morning to meet with their principals at 8 a.m. to discuss the current situation and plans to develop E-learning.

No student activities will be held this week.

The Minnesota State High School League said in a statement Sunday that consistent with the governor’s order there will be no MSHSL activities and athletics at any member school, including training, practices, scrimmages and contests through March 27.

The previous MSHSL directive prohibiting scrimmages, contests and competitions with other MSHSL programs for spring activities and athletics will continue until April 6.

The league will continue to monitor directives from the Minnesota Department of Health, Walz and the Centers for Disease Control.

Additional information will be provided as it becomes available and as decisions are made.