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Georgia school district closes to deep clean after ‘excessive’ norovirus, flu absences

There were 91 new cases reported during the first week of December.
Rising cases: An electron micrograph of the norovirus. The CDC reported an uptick of cases during the first week of December. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
(Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

POLK COUNTY, Ga. — Several buildings in a Georgia school district are closing on Friday to take preventative measures to help protect the safety of students and staff due to the flu and norovirus.

According to the Polk County School District, there have been “excessive” student absences related to the norovirus and flu.

Polk County Schools said it currently has 761 students and 63 school-level staff members who have reported illnesses, according to WSBTV.

That’s 10% or more of the student population at each school and it’s also a “shortage of necessary staff to operate effectively,” according to the district.

“This decision is not made lightly and as always we will continue to prioritize the health and safety of our students, staff, and community. Extra-curricular activities and after-school events will not be affected,” the district said.

The district is encouraging parents to monitor for symptoms of sickness, ensure they are washing their hands and keeping sick students at home until they are symptom/fever-free.

Norovirus is a foodborne illness that can spread through water and contaminated surfaces and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain for about one to three days.

The flu, caused by influenza viruses that are always changing, leads to fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches and feeling tired. Flu symptoms tend to hit more quickly than cold symptoms, and can last anywhere from a few days to two weeks.

According to the CDC, the best ways to prevent the norovirus is to wash your hands well with soap and water, and avoid preparing or handling food for others when you are sick. Another helpful tip is to rest. Your immune system may not work as well if you’re sleep-deprived, stressed out or dehydrated. So don’t grind yourself into the ground if you can help it. Rest. Sleep. Drink water.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially:

  • After using the toilet or changing diapers.
  • Before eating, preparing, or handling food.
  • Before giving yourself or someone else medicine.

Be aware that:

  • Hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus.
  • You can use hand sanitizers in addition to hand washing, but hand sanitizer is not a substitute for handwashing, which is best.

Students in the Polk County school district impacted by the norovirus and flu will have a virtual learning day.

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