Schools around Ohio affected by flu

WILLARD — From the end of January into the month of February, Ohio schools have been closing due to students and teachers being sick with the flu. The Plymouth-Shiloh Local Schools closed Feb. 5 due to illness. Mike Lillo, director of buildings and operations and transportation of Willard City Schools, said the district is being proactive. "On (Feb. 7), we had school canceled and called in staff to disinfect our classrooms, chairs and tables," Lillo said. "Anything they put their hands on." He said that five custodians, all of the administration and half a dozen teachers came in to help clean and disinfect the schools buildings. They also cleaned railings, handles, restrooms and cleaned the Chromebooks students use daily. "We're seeing a rise in this stuff and we're trying to get a hold of it all," Lillo said. "The health department said this could last through March." Canceling school on Friday also allowed students struggling with illnesses a chance to rest, Lillo said. "Bus drivers wipe down the seats with Clorox wipes post trip," Lillo said of Willard's efforts to keep students healthy. He said the cleaning staff also has a color-coded system to stop cross contamination, with cleaning towels used for restrooms are red, while towels for cleaning the cafeteria are purple. "We have a two-bucket system. They have a rinse and a chemical side," Lillo said. "We use microfiber cleaning that extracts the dirt." Washington Court House City Schools spent three weeks with 20 percent of the student body out sick. The schools had cleaning crews in the buildings, buses and gyms to stop the virus from spreading. Ashland Crestview School district closed all buildings and canceled practices and games Jan. 30 from absences related to illnesses. Randy Dunlap, Crestview superintendent, said there were so many staff absences the district was concerned about proper student supervision. On the same day Loudenville-Perrysville Local Schools closed R.F. McMullen Elementary due to absences. "The health department recommends a closure when student absences reach 20 percent or more. McMullen has reached and exceeded this threshold today," Superintendent Catherine Puster said in a statement. At least 14 other schools in Ohio closed Jan. 30 because students and staff were sick. Mansfield City Schools closed its doors Feb. 1 to disinfect buildings and buses. "Our maintenance and custodial staffs will use the weekend and Monday to thoroughly clean and disinfect our schools and buses," Superintendent Stan Jefferson said in a prepared statement. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 68 children have died this flu season, and with almost two-thirds having influenza B virus. They estimate nearly 19 million have been sick with the flu. Doctors recommend getting the flu shot to help protect against the virus. To keep germs from spreading, be sure to wash your hands regularly, avoid people who are sick and focus on overall health. Stay at home if you're sick, stay hydrated and get a good night's rest.