Oklahoma Schools Close Due To Severe Flu Epidemic Affecting Staff & Students

Recently, several schools around Oklahoma have decided to either close or transition to virtual learning this week to combat the high rate of flu cases. Both students and staff are being affected and some schools have decided to use this time to allow teachers to disinfect classrooms, while other schools simply want folks to rest.

School Closures Across Oklahoma

Earlier this week, Piedmont Schools closed both today, Jan. 30 and tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 31 to give teachers a chance to clean their classrooms and shared spaces.

Flowermound Schools released a statement on Thursday, Jan. 29, announcing closure for the rest of this week due to over 100 students being out because of the flu.

Both Lindsey and Ardmore Public Schools are also fighting the same battle with several staff and students out because of the flu, so Administration from each school decided to transition to virtual learning for the rest of January.

The Oklahoma School For The Blind also decided to close today to allow students and staff to stay home and rest while fighting the flu. Normal school hours should resume next week and days missed due to the closing will be made up at a later date.

Among the others that have transitioned to virtual learning are:

Mustang Public Schools

Deer Creek Schools

Gracemont Public Schools

Schools that have decided to close or transition to virtual learning have also cancelled and/or postponed any sports or group activities until the flu cases dwindle and everyone can come together again.

Oklahoma Suffers More Flu Cases Than Most of the Country

Overall, thousands of people have been heavily affected by the flu this year statewide. According to the State Department of Health, Oklahoma is currently above baseline with a 25.2% Influenza Positivity. The normal baseline for Influenza Positivity usually sits at 10.0%.

Earlier this month, Oklahoma was already deep in the throes of flu season; so much so that we ranked #2 in the United States suffering the most from the flu. To read more, click here.