* Mayor Lightfoot began her press conference with praise for Gov. Pritzker…

As you all know, the governor mandated that all schools across the state will be closed until March 31. I’ve been working hand in glove with the governor and his team throughout this process. We have a great partnership and an open line of communication that will continue. Because that’s in the best interests of our residents.

The governor has the entire state to consider. As always, I am focused on what is in the best interests of Chicago. And while our circumstances are different from other parts of the state. The governor was of course aware of these challenges, and has been working tirelessly to be a great support for the city of Chicago. And I’m confident that that will continue.

* She continued…

For now let me say something to the CPS community in our entire city, in light of this order. The best place for our students to be is at home.

COVID-19 is posing a significant threat to the well being of our city country and world. We all have a role to play in stopping the spread of this virus. That is why I’m asking residents affected by this decision to remain in your homes. Of course I know that’s not possible for everyone. CPS serves thousands of children who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Many of our students parents are low income and undocumented workers who may not have access to pay sick leave, or be late, or maybe living paycheck to paycheck.

That is why I’m also appealing to Chicago’s business community, to go overboard to accommodate these workers who are CPS parents. We will continue having conversations with company leaders, but we need them to review their employee policies. Now, and be as accommodating as possible. It goes without saying that these are not ordinary times, and we need employers to be in partnership with their employees.

This post will be updated. And, remember, Otter is doing the transcription, so expect some typos.

* CPS CEO Janice Jackson…

All of our CPS locations will be food distribution centers. Beginning on Tuesday March 17 at 9am until 1pm every single day throughout the closure families will be able to pick up three days worth of food at any given time for each child that lives in their household.

* Mayor Lightfoot was asked if she opposed school closings…

What I did is had a series of conversations with the governor starting this morning, but the governor and I are in lockstep. He’s our partner. He’s been supporting us. There’s no gray between the governor and as I said, what we are focused on is not the why, but the how, the how we implement this order in a way that is supportive of our families, knowing that we’ve got a lot of different families under different circumstances. We’re placing great emphasis on making sure that we get food to our young people are placing great emphasis on making sure that we’re thinking about the, the parents who are healthcare workers so we provide support to them, so they can continue to do their job and support the health care system, we’re making sure that we’re providing opportunities for those parents who can’t afford to take work off that they have a place to take their children, that is safe and nurturing, so we’re focused on the road ahead. That’s what we continue to focus on. That’s the obligation that we have to our parents, our residents, the governor understand that I understand that. And we are locked arms and making sure that we’re supporting our families.

Press conference is over.