Many school boards and several universities are shutting down Friday so administrations can respond to the Quebec government's recommended response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are the Montreal-area school boards that are closing schools on Friday:

 to stem the spread of the virus, Education Minister Jean-François Roberge said schools do not need to close at this time.

"Experts tell us that at this time, this is not the decision to make," Roberge told reporters at the National Assembly.

Regardless, school boards across the Montreal region decided&nbsp;Thursday evening that schools would be closed on Friday.&nbsp;

"To give ourselves some time to reflect upon the directives given to us today by the Quebec government and to provide a little more time for the EMSB to review protocols,&nbsp;we now wish to inform you&nbsp;that all schools and centres will be closed on Friday," said EMSB&nbsp;spokesperson Mike Cohen in an email to parents late Thursday.

Here's what you need to know about preparing for COVID-19:

How to self-isolate during the coronavirus crisis

As coronavirus cases continue to rise, more Canadians are being asked to self-isolate at home for two weeks at a time. CBC explains what that means.

Zeena Dotiwalla cleans a light switch at Yogaspace in Toronto on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. Many exercise buffs are feeling torn between the desire stay active and concerns about contracting the novel coronavirus at the gym. Several Canadian fitness centres have been assuring clients that they're beefing up their hygiene protocols in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

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Zeena Dotiwalla cleans a light switch at Yogaspace in Toronto on Wednesday. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that people in self-isolation clean frequently contacted surfaces at least once per day.

Do I have COVID-19, the flu or a cold?

The symptoms for COVID-19 can be very similar to those of the seasonal flu or even a common cold. Here's what you should do if you feel ill and are worried you have COVID-19.

FILE - In this Jan. 14, 2005 file photo, a man sneezes holding a tissue in Berlin, Germany. According to a case study published Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in the journal BMJ Case Reports, doctors in England say stifling a big sneeze can be hazardous for your health in rare cases, based on the very unusual experience of a man who ruptured the back of his throat when he tried to stop a sneeze. 

Big Sneeze

Canada's Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam said federal and provincial health authorities are preparing for a 'range of scenarios,' but that Canadians can take steps to slow the spread of COVID-19.

'Everyone actually can change the dynamic of the curve'

Your questions answered about COVID-19 in Quebec

Here's what health authorities want you to do if you feel sick, what will happen once you call 1-877-644-4545 and the steps in place to makes sure the spread of coronavirus is limited.

A woman wearing a face mask walks along a street in Montreal on Wednesday as COVID-19 cases rise in Canada and around the world.

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Quebec urges people to stop calling 811 for COVID-19 concerns

The Quebec government is now urging people to stop calling 811, and instead call 1-877-644-4545, if they have symptoms of the coronavirus. This comes after Info-Santé lines were overwhelmed by phone calls this week. 

People with flu-like symptoms are meant to call the public health information line, also known as Info-Santé, before heading to one of COVID-19 testing clinics.  

COVID-19 

People with flu-like symptoms are now meant to call 1-877-644-4545 before heading to one of COVID-19 testing clinics.  

Quebec ramps up fight against COVID-19: Large indoor events banned, Montreal shuts pools and rinks

Quebec Premier François Legault called the outbreak of the novel coronavirus an "emergency" situation that will require a huge effort from Quebecers for the next several weeks.

The old Hôtel-Dieu Hospital's emergency room is now a screening clinic for COVID-19. If you think you are infected, call 811 and do not go to the clinic unless you are told to. 

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If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19, call 811 before heading to a hospital or a clinic to seek testing.&nbsp;

If you have general questions or concerns about COVID-19 or Quebec's response, not related to your&nbsp;individual health, you can call&nbsp;1-877-644-4545.&nbsp;The Quebec government is also posting up-to-date information on 

The Quebec government has recommended schools remain open, but shouldn't have more than 250 students in the same room.

Many Quebec school boards, some universities closed Friday due to COVID-19

Universities

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