LEBANON, Tenn. (WTVF) — It's not the weather, but cold and flu season that is forcing some mid-state school districts to close.
Wilson County Schools will be closed the rest of the week, and are scheduled to reopen Monday, Feb. 4.
Stewart County, Perry County, Giles County, and Lewis County schools will also be closed the rest of the week. Lincoln County Schools closed Wednesday. Macon County Schools were closed Tuesday.
District Spokesperson Jennifer Johnson said multiple teachers and students reported being sick Monday, and the district determined the best option was to close schools. Multiple illnesses had been reported including the flu, strep throat and a stomach virus.
“It just became more and more obvious the best thing to do is take a break, let everyone go home and rest and come back healthy,” said Johnson.
The district also announced it would close its Kids Club program and TLC learning centers. All 12 month employees should work their normal schedule.
Johnson said the district was working with its janitorial staff to make sure schools would be cleaned and disinfected.
Johnson said the district has 10 designated snow days built into the calendar, and would use the days due to illness.
Doctors at Cumberland Pediatric Associates in Lebanon also reported seeing patients battling the flu and strep throat.
Dr. Ashley Tauriac recommended sick students take the next few days to rest up. She said it’s also important to wash your hands, and cover your cough to prevent spreading germs.
Dr. Tauriac said flu season continues until May, and there is still time to get a flu vaccine.
