Virtual learning at New York City public schools began on March 23 and now will continue through June 26, the last day of school.

It has been a challenge for both educators and families, as hundreds of thousands of students still have not received the devices needed for remote learning.

"Having to tell you that we cannot bring our schools back for the remainder of the school year is painful, but I can also tell you it is the right thing to do,” Mayor de Blasio said at his Saturday news conference.

A plan outlined by the mayor promises to deliver 240,000 more devices to students by the end of the month, along with extended tech support for parents and more creative at home programing.

"Our kids are going to get more and more restless, we know that,” de Blasio said. “So we have to help you through and give you the best possible tools and compelling options to keep our kids focused on the distance learning."

The mayor said the Department of Education will be working closely with 75,000 high school seniors to make sure they meet their graduation requirements, although traditional ceremonies are unlikely.

The city is focusing on reopening in September with attention to mental health and making up for lost time in the classroom. 

"Next school year is going to have to be the greatest academic year the New York City Public School system has ever had because we are going to be playing a lot of catch up,” de Blasio said.

It unclear if some buildings will eventually be able to open up for summer school or 12 month students.

Officials say that will be dependent on the virus.

"We are going to be in a remote learning phase through the summer,” Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza said. “And for students with disabilities in particular, whose individual education plan, their IEP calls for services we are working with families and their teachers to make sure those services are being provided."

It’s just another example of continued uncertainty for a city longing for normalcy.