Elementary school set to reopen after norovirus outbreak closed it Monday

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. — Channel 2 Action News has learned a metro area elementary school is preparing to reopen Tuesday after an increase in a norovirus forced the school to close Monday.

In a statement sent to Channel 2 Action News, Principal Susan Norton said Honeycreek Elementary School was working closely with the Rockdale County Health Department to find out what caused the illness and to put in place measures to reduce the spread of it.

Channel 2's Audrey Washington spoke with 5-year-old Kyle and his family after the kindergartner was sent home sick with the virus.

“They tried their best to take care of me,” Kyle said.

William Hebrle, Kyle’s grandfather, told Washington their whole family fell ill with the norovirus after Kyle returned home from school last week.

Norton sent a letter to parents that explained a number of students and teachers reported feeling ill and that the school would be closed Monday.

“Wise choice. It ran through our house pretty quickly and everyone is pretty much out cold for two days,” Hebrle said.

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While it does plan to reopen, the school asks parents to continue to keep sick children home until they are free from vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours without medication.

As for Kyle, he wants to get back to kindergarten and back to feeling better.

“I go back when I’m not sick,” he said.

The principal stresses that if you have any additional questions or concerns, to contact your child’s physician. You may also contact the Rockdale County Health Department at (770)-339-4260 and ask to speak with the epidemiologist on call.

Cox Media Group