Washington elementary school closes for deep cleaning over illness

OceanShores Elementary in Washington closed Tuesday for deep cleaning amid a large number of illnesses, according to the North Beach School District.

“The winter illnesses are something our school and families deal with every year,” a statement from the school district reads. “This year is no exception.”

Illnesses have ranged from simple colds to RSV, stomach flu, strep throat, COVID-19, and influenza, according to the statement. Multiple staff and students have tested positive for COVID, with “almost all grades affected.”

“Unfortunately, it appears to be COVID’s turn to have the highest activity,” the district’s statement reads.

According to the most recent data from the Washington State Department of Health, there is a COVID-19 case rate of 43 per 100,000 people in Grays Harbor County. Statewide, the Department of Health is reporting 71 cases per 100,000 people.