Stomach virus shuts schools in Albany district

ALBANY, Ore. (AP) — The rapid spread of a stomach virus through the Greater Albany School District has forced the closure of all schools in the district for the rest of the week.

The Gazette-Times reported Monday that the school district in Linn County was struggling to contain the spread of the virus, which causes vomiting and diarrhea.

The district disinfected buildings over the weekend but kept Periwinkle Elementary School closed Monday after consulting with the Linn County Health Department. On Monday evening, the Greater Albany district said on Facebook that after consulting with state and county health officials, and noting a jump in absences in their other schools, that all schools would close and reopen Dec. 2.

Officials say cleaning teams will continue to disinfect and sanitize throughout the closure. The District Office will remain open through Wednesday.

Parents are being asked to enforce strict hand-washing policies at home.