East Tennessee Schools Cancel Classes Due to Flu Surge

Deserted school playground due to flu outbreak

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News Summary

East Tennessee schools are closing their doors starting February 5 in response to rising flu cases affecting students and staff. Knox County Schools will be closed on February 10 and 11, with a half-day scheduled on February 12. Other districts, including Maryville City, Claiborne County, and Blount County Schools, are also cancelling classes. Health officials emphasize hygiene and vaccination to combat the flu’s spread as Knoxville ranks high on the Flu Index.

East Tennessee Schools Cancel Classes Amid Rising Flu Cases

Greetings, East Tennessee families! We have an important update for you regarding school schedules in our area. Starting February 5, several schools across East Tennessee have announced closures due to a widespread illness that is taking its toll on students and staff.

School Closures: What You Need to Know

Many schools are opting to remain closed for the rest of the week as the situation develops. Notably, Knox County Schools will close on February 10 and 11 because of the alarming number of flu cases reported by the Knox County Health Department. Alongside the closures, the Central Office in Knox County will also be shut down during this period.

Looking ahead, Wednesday, February 12, is set to be a half-day for students in Knox County. Parents and students should plan accordingly, as school schedules have been impacted significantly by the rise in illnesses.

A Widespread Trend Across Tennessee

It seems the trend of school closures isn’t just limited to Knox County. Other districts in the region, such as Maryville City Schools, Claiborne County Schools, Blount County Schools, and Union County Schools, have also chosen to cancel classes due to the same concerns. In addition, we’re observing a similar pattern in Middle Tennessee, where five school districts have closed their doors to limit the spread of illness.

In Chattanooga, two additional school districts have either closed entirely or shifted to remote learning days, demonstrating that this is a widespread concern throughout our beautiful state.

Flu Activity on the Rise

In fact, Knoxville finds itself ranked No. 6 on Walgreens’ Flu Index, which showcases the highest flu activity in the entire country! This ranking serves as a reminder of the serious nature of the flu season, which is currently peaking but remains at elevated levels.

It’s important to note that both Lenoir City Schools and Loudon County Schools closed on Tuesday and Wednesday as part of their efforts to combat the spread of illness. Custodial staff in Lenoir City Schools are taking extra measures to ensure that facilities are thoroughly cleaned, aiming to stop any further outbreaks. Meanwhile, Loudon County Schools have engaged in deep cleaning and disinfecting efforts before welcoming students back into their classrooms.

Staying Healthy: Tips and Recommendations

As flu season continues to impact schools, it’s crucial to stay vigilant about health. The Knox County Health Department’s Director of Nursing has noted that the flu season remains at a high rate, but emphasizes that getting a flu shot and practicing good hygiene can play a significant role in halting the spread of illness.

In times like these, it’s essential to stay informed, and we’ve got your back! Make sure to follow updates from your specific school district, and remember the importance of washing your hands, staying home if you’re feeling unwell, and getting vaccinated if you haven’t already. Together, we can help foster a healthier environment for all our students.

As we navigate these challenges, let’s support one another and look forward to brighter days ahead. Take care, and stay safe, East Tennessee!