Numbers absent lower today

Blackwell Elementary is working closely with Public Health Seattle King County on their outbreak of a stomach flu type illness. Public Health has assessed, based on experience with past outbreaks, that the illness is Norovirus or a Norovirus-like illness. The school is following the standard protocols to treat the issue as advised by Public Health. Those actions include disinfecting all surfaces with a bleach solution, as bleach is the only disinfectant known to kill the Norovirus. Teachers have taken on cleaning surfaces in their classrooms while the custodial staff is cleaning all common areas, including lunchroom, library, computer room, etc. Busses that transport students to and from Blackwell are also being cleaned. Students and adults alike are being reminded to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently.

On Monday, 77 students were absent and 35 students were sent home when they became ill during the school day. Nine staff members were also ill. On Tuesday, 120 students were absent and 15 were sent home ill. Eight staff members were absent. By Wednesday, only one staff member was ill and 103 students were absent. A significant number of the students were recuperating and some were kept home as a precaution. Absence numbers are being reported each day to Public Health.

No other schools are reporting significant absences due to illness at this time. A standard procedure is that whenever the illness rate is over 10 percent of a student population, the district reports the situation to Public Health.