OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Public schools in Oklahoma will be closed through at least April 6 as the state scrambles to contain the spread of the coronavirus, State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister said Monday.

The State Board of Education met in a special meeting and voted unanimously to authorize the statewide closures.

"It is critical that we do everything in our power to protect the health of our kids, their families, educators and all vulnerable populations," Hofmeister said in a statement.

Meanwhile, tribal leaders across the state announced plans Monday to shut down casinos, including the Chicka...