Some area schools are closing due to an influenza outbreak.
Due to high absenteeism of both students and staff due to illnesses in the community, Cleveland City Schools will be closed Friday and Monday.
All after-school activities and athletic events will be determined by the school principal. Twelve month employees will work regular hours on Friday. Twelve month employees will not work on Monday.
Officials said, "This closure will allow our cleaning service to properly sanitize the schools and offices."
Bradley County Schools will be closed Friday due to illness.
Director Linda Cash said, "Our custodians will be in the building on Friday to clean and disinfect throughout the buildings. Our absent numbers are not extreme, but I am seeing an increase as the week progresses. This is a preventive measure to help with the illnesses.
"We will be in school on Monday since our absentees are not critical across the district. There are some surrounding districts who are experiencing more illness-related absences than we are at this time. We hope this break and cleaning will assist our students and teachers in staying healthy.
"All elementary practices and games are cancelled until Monday. All secondary activities will continue through the weekend. There will be an open house at both high schools tonight (Thursday). Bradley Central High School is from 3:30-6:30 and Walker Valley High School from 5-7:30."
Meigs County Schools are closed through the end of the week.
Those classrooms and offices will also be disinfected.
McMinn County Schools are closed through Monday.