Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, we have not really heard much about the flu.  The Maine CDC, and similar organizations, were far more concerned about the coronavirus pandemic.  Rightfully so!  After all, at least the first versions of the virus, were a leading cause of death in the United States.

Now, as we put the pandemic in the rear-view, we are starting to see influenza rear its snotty, feverish, vomit-y head again.

Over the last few days, we have heard that a number of schools had closed due to the sheer number of case numbers they had among staff and students.

Yesterday, we got word that one of the schools in Brunswick was going to be closed today.

And, last night, it was announced that Gardiner Regional Middle School would also be closed on Friday.  The closure was due to the high number of flu cases the school was experiencing.

According to an article from News Center Maine, a memo from MSAD 11 Superintendent of Schools Patricia Hopkins, explained that 24 staff members and more than 20 percent of students were absent on Thursday.

The statement said, in part:

With the presence of influenza, Covid, and other respiratory illnesses, we have increased our cleaning and disinfecting procedures throughout the day in each of our buildings. Hand sanitizers are freely available and hand washing is continuously encouraged

As we have seen in the last week or so, these closures are an attempt to get ahead of the situation.  By closing the school, students and staff can social distance and it allows the school's staff to do a deep clean of the school building.

Obviously, we hope everyone who is sick will make a quick recovery.

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