Gov. Jay Inslee extended the emergency stay-at-home order until May 4, in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Washington.

The order will last until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 4, according to the announcement. This means Tuesday, May 5 will be the first day since March 23 — when the order began — that nonessential business will be open.

Inslee also announced Tuesday public schools in the state will not return to in-person instruction for the rest of the year.

“The steps we have taken are working,” Inslee wrote in a tweet on Thursday. “But we have yet to see the full toll of this virus. We will not sacrifice the lives of Washingtonians by ending these measures too soon.”

This order is an effort to slow the spread of the virus by distancing people from one another to reduce social contact. Nonessential businesses are also closed for the duration of the order.

Essential businesses such as grocery stores, gas stations and pharmacies remain open. Washingtonians may still leave their residence for essential tasks such as grocery shopping and medical treatment.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available. Updated April 8.