HOLLAND, Mich — West Elementary in Holland closed today after 90 students (20% of the student population) called-in sick. The school announcedon it's website they will be closed for Thursday and Friday classes and activities as well.
Maintenance crews will scrub the school from top to bottom during the closure and parents are encouraged to wash backpacks, winter gear, and wipe down hard surfaces like books and binders to kill germs that may have already been brought home.
The district is working with the Ottawa County Health Department to monitor the situation and "illness-related absenteeism at other district buildings" according to their statement.
“Student health and safety is always our primary concern. By canceling school at West Elementary for a few days, our sick students and teachers will have the time to recover while healthy students and teachers will avoid catching the virus,” said Superintendent Brian Davis.
The Ottawa County Health Department says there are a few ways to avoid catching or spreading the flu this season:
- Get a flu-shot
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue away immediately.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
- Wash your hands with soap and water after coughing or sneezing.
- Use Alcohol-based hand-cleaners when washing your hands is not possible
- Avoid contact with sick people
Holland Public Schools underline that the closure only affects West Elementary. The rest of the district should have classes and activities as normal unless illness-related absences warrant more action.
