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Mass Illness Shuts Down Shirley School District
16 Jan
Summary
- Shirley School District closed for the week due to widespread illness.
- Student attendance plummeted, with some classes having only one student.
- Arkansas Department of Health advises handwashing and staying home sick.
The Shirley School District has closed its doors for the remainder of the week, a decision made Wednesday night in response to a surge of illness affecting both students and staff. This closure comes after a noticeable decline in student attendance earlier in the week, with some classrooms reportedly having only a single student present.
Students and teachers alike have been complaining of headaches, general sickness, and coughing in the days leading up to the announcement. Parents have also confirmed that a majority of children within the district are currently unwell, leading to widespread concern among families.
The Arkansas Department of Health has characterized the current flu season as moderate across the state. They recommend preventative measures such as frequent handwashing, staying home when ill, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces to curb the spread of sickness.
