South Umpqua High School Closes Temporarily Due to Fast-Moving Illness

Tri City, Ore. — South Umpqua High School has announced a temporary closure for the remainder of the week after a fast-moving illness swept through the school, leaving more than 50% of students absent with flu-like symptoms. The decision, made in consultation with Douglas County Public Health, aims to curb the spread of the illness and allow time for a thorough cleaning of the facility.

The closure, which began on Wednesday, February 12, will continue through Friday, February 14. Students are scheduled to return to school on Tuesday, February 18, following the Presidents Day holiday.

Reason for Closure

In a letter to families, South Umpqua High School staff explained that the closure serves two primary purposes:

1. Allowing students to recover: With over half of the student body absent due to illness, the closure provides an opportunity for those affected to rest and recuperate.
2. Deep cleaning the facility: The school will undergo a comprehensive sanitization process to help prevent further spread of the illness.

Extracurricular Activities to Continue

While the high school building will be closed, extracurricular activities, including athletics, will proceed as scheduled. School officials emphasized that these events do not interfere with the cleaning process and that students participating in activities will not be allowed to attend if they show any signs of illness.

Other Schools Unaffected

The closure impacts only South Umpqua High School. All other schools within the South Umpqua School District will continue to operate on their normal schedules.

Health Precautions Encouraged

The school district is urging families to take universal precautions to prevent the spread of illness, including frequent handwashing and keeping children home if they exhibit symptoms.

Letter from SUHS Staff

The full letter sent to families reads as follows:

Dear South Umpqua School District Families,

We have a fast-moving illness running through our community. This week, over 50% of South Umpqua High School students are out ill with similar flu-like symptoms. We consulted with Douglas County Public Health and have made the difficult decision to close South Umpqua High School for the rest of this week; Wednesday, February 12 through Friday, February 14.

There are several reasons for the closure. First, to allow the many students who are ill to recover, as well as limit the spread of the illness. Second, to give our staff the ability to do a deep cleaning of our facility to further limit the spread of this fast-moving illness. High School students will return to school on February 18 following Presidents Day.

This closure does not impact extra-curricular activities, including athletics. The continuation of athletic events does not impede our ability to sanitize the building, and those students participating will not be present if they are showing any sign of illness.

This closure impacts South Umpqua High School only. All other schools in the South Umpqua School District are operating on a normal schedule. As always, we encourage your family to take universal precautions to avoid illness, including frequent hand washing. If your child is ill, please do keep them home.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to ensure a safe learning environment for our students and educators.

All the best,
SUHS Staff

The South Umpqua School District appreciates the community’s cooperation and understanding as they work to address this health concern and maintain a safe environment for students and staff.

Information Courtesy of NBC 16 in Eugene