Live Updates: Local school closings amid increase in flu and other sickness

Isabella Edghill and Morgan Schmidt • February 4, 2025

Manual students enter school on Tuesday through the main entrance in order to go through weapons detectors.

JCPS continues to see rises in flu related absences. Last week there were 181 reported cases of the flu, which is seven times more than the week before when only 25 were reported.

The absences come as Flu cases are on the rise citywide. According to the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, there are about 1,200 confirmed cases of flu in the city.

Oldham County Schools announced they will be on NTI from Feb. 4 through Feb. 6 after more than 1,700 students and 200 staff members were absent. Eminence Schools in Henry County moved to NTI on Monday due to 27 absent staff members, which is nearly 45% of their staff. Some private schools in Jefferson County including Trinity High School and St. Michael also made the decision to go online last week.

Norton Children’s Hospital reports 25 kids were admitted on Monday, testing positive for the flu.

Follow here for updates from Manual RedEye.

Check for Updates

Updated

Feb 04, 2025, 3:53 pm

Schools around the state continue to close due to illness

As Louisville schools begin to make decisions regarding widespread illness, multiple school districts around the state have already moved to NTI or have announced they will begin tomorrow, Feb. 5.

LaRue County Schools is moving to NTI starting Wednesday.

“While this isn’t what we want for our students, we are facing the threat of no classroom coverage and not having enough bus drivers to cover all of our routes,” LaRue County Schools said in a Facebook post.

Trimble County and Washington County Schools are also moving to NTI tomorrow due to “widespread illness.”

Spencer County and Marion County Schools started NTI today, Feb. 4, and will continue tomorrow, Feb. 5.

Updated

Feb 04, 2025, 2:43 pm

Grace Fridy

Bullitt County schools closed for remainder of the week

Bullitt County Public Schools (BCPS) announced on Tuesday, Feb. 4, that schools will be closed from Feb. 5-7 due to an increase in sickness.

The closure will not be utilizing NTI, according to BCPS this is to ensure deep cleaning and maximize instructional time.

“Many students and staff are too unwell to participate in virtual learning. A shift to NTI wouldn’t be effective if a large percentage of our school community is unable to engage,” BCPS said in a Facebook post.

In the announcement, BCPS encouraged families to take the necessary health precautions.

Updated

Feb 04, 2025, 1:07 pm

Manual student absences rise to 13%

On Tuesday Feb. 4, 246 students were absent from duPont Manual High School, roughly 13% of the student population. Additionally 22 staff members were out. In comparison, Manual’s average daily absenteeism rate last semester was 4.8%.

On Saturday Feb. 1, JCPS sent an email to families and employees informing them of the uptick in Flu cases.

“Keep symptomatic children home until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours,” the letter reads.

About the Contributors

Isabella Edghill, Opinion Editor

Isabella Edghill is the Opinion Editor for Manual RedEye. She enjoys reading and playing the violin, and is passionate about exploring issues around diversity, identity and empowerment. You can contact her at [email protected].

Morgan Schmidt, Managing Editor

Morgan Schmidt is the Managing Editor for Manual RedEye. She loves sports and pop culture and looks forward to pursuing a sports media career after her time at duPont Manual. She also has outside commitments of playing Lacrosse and is the founder and host of The High School Hour on ESPN 680. You can contact her at [email protected].

Grace Fridy, Editor-in-Chief

Grace Fridy is the Editor-in-Chief of Manual RedEye. She enjoys working on opinion, breaking news, education and many other kinds of coverage. Grace enjoys reading, writing, baking, bowling and above all, discussing. You can contact her at [email protected].

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