Yipes. Knox County Schools just announced that Ritta Elementary will be closed on Friday, after a quarter of the student population came down with "gastrointestinal-type symptoms." Several staff are sick, too. Cause is apparently yet to be determined, but the county Health Department recommended closing the East Knox County school until it's sorted out.
Full press release:
Ritta Elementary to close Friday due to illness
Based on the recommendation of the Knox County Health Department and due to a sudden increase in student and staff absences, Dr. Jim McIntyre, Superintendent of the Knox County Schools, has closed Ritta Elementary School for classes on Friday, Nov. 19.
On Wednesday, Nov. 17, the school had 17 students who were absent due to gastrointestinal-type symptoms. That number increased to 136 today, prompting the health department to recommend the school be closed on Friday. The total student enrollment at Ritta Elementary is 528.
"While the school is closed, the health department will conduct a site visit to the school to collect data, as well as interview students experiencing symptoms, said McIntyre. "Custodial staff will clean the school and disinfect high contact surfaces as a precautionary measure."
No other Knox County Schools are experiencing unusual absenteeism rates.
"As is always the case," said McIntyre, "the Knox County Schools is working closely with public health officials from the Knox County Health Department and will continue to consult with these officials as they assess the situation at Ritta Elementary School."
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