Eufaula and Stuart Public Schools are both taking steps to combat a surge in illness among students and staff, with each district implementing closures and shifts to virtual learning this week.
Eufaula Public Schools will transition to virtual learning on Thursday, Jan. 30, and Friday, Jan. 31, after 22% of students and about 20% of staff members were unable to attend due to illness. The district said the closure will allow custodial staff to disinfect all facilities and help curb the spread of various illnesses. In-person classes are scheduled to resume on Monday, Feb. 3.
Meanwhile, Stuart Public Schools announced it will close for two days to disinfect its campus and give sick students and staff time to recover. The closure, which affects the entire district, comes after many have tested positive for flu strains A and B, as well as strep throat. The illness reportedly begins with headaches, nausea, and fever. The district hopes a four-day break will stop the spread of illness.
Junior high basketball games this week have been canceled, but high school basketball games are set to continue as scheduled unless further notice is provided.
Both districts are asking parents to take precautions, including washing any blankets or outerwear their children may have brought to school.