Gov. Tate Reeves announced Tuesday that Mississippi's public school buildings and facilities will remain closed for the rest of the 2019-20 academic year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

All Mississippi High School Activities Association athletics and activities have been suspended since March 19. Per MHSAA policy, competition and practice are not permitted while member schools are closed.

"The MHSAA has remained in contact with state education officials during this situation," MHSAA Executive Director Don Hinton said. "It was clear that the statewide closure of schools for the spring semester was a possibility and that obviously impacts athletics and activities.

"Our MHSAA Executive Committee of school administrators will review the governor's decision and an official announcement will be forthcoming regarding athletics and activities being cancelled for the rest of the academic year. We hope to share an update Wednesday."