Private schools on Bainbridge Island are also subject to Gov. Jay Inslee’s order Thursday that closed all public and private K-12 schools in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties, the governor’s office said Friday.

Inslee announced the proclamation to close schools in those three counties for the next six weeks due of the spread of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Washington.

Independent schools on Bainbridge — including The Island School, Carden Country School, Montessori Country School, and Saint Cecilia Catholic School — had already canceled classes through Friday, March 13.

Those schools and others will now also be closed from Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, April 24.

“We do not take these decisions lightly and I am fully aware of the various impacts this has on families and communities,” Inslee said at an Olympia press conference Thursday.

“Today’s decision has a full range of implications — from learning plans and childcare, to free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch — just to name a few,” he added.

“I anticipate this will cause ripple effects throughout our state. But we can’t afford not to do it. We must ensure that we slow the spread of this virus,” Inslee said.

The decision impacts 43 school districts throughout the three counties. Three school districts not entirely located within King, Snohomish and Pierce counties were also included in the shutdown: the Bainbridge Island, Darrington, and Stanwood-Camano school districts.

At the press conference, Inslee also said events that take place in King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties with more than 250 people are now prohibited by the state because of the COVID-19 threat.

The governor’s order includes gatherings for social, spiritual and recreational activities, including sporting events, concerts, fundraisers and similar activities.