MOUNT VERNON — Dan Emmett Elementary School will be closed Friday due to the continued number of absences caused by the flu.
“We do not take this decision lightly as we understand that closing school can create additional burdens for families,” Supt. William Seder Jr. wrote in a letter to parents and guardians on Thursday. “We hope that providing this information in a timely manner will allow you time to plan accordingly.”
Students must be fever free for 24 hours without the aid of fever reducing medication before returning to school, the letter states.
“It is our hope that the extended weekend will allow extra time for rest and recovery,” Seder stated. “At Dan Emmett, we will spend some additional time and resources to conduct a deep clean of the building.”
Knox Public Health reported earlier this week there is an increase in the number of seasonal influenza cases in the county. The Centers for Disease Control reports that statewide and nationally the number of reported cases is “very high” or “high.”
Knox County is seeing an increase in other respiratory illnesses including RSV, Rhinovirus, as well a continuation of daily cases of COVID-19.
Local reports indicate all age groups have been affected by influenza and other respiratory illnesses this season.
