Many East Tennessee schools are getting the message: fight the flu! Several have notified media that they will be closing down for a few days next week in order to combat the spread of the influenza virus. The list is as follows:

Roane County,  Alcoa City, Knox County and Monroe County schools will be closed Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 5-6. The STARS program in the City of Alcoa will also close on those days. Loudon County, Lenoir City, Union County, McMinn County, and Newport Grammar School which were closed Friday will remain closed Monday.

Several of the school districts have been reporting a high number of absences of students, faculty and staff. Most are reported to be out due to sickness or complications from the flu. Social media boards have been lighting up with comments and concerns from parents about closing the schools in order to give them a good, thorough cleansing.

1057 News will keep you up-to-date on any further school closings in this matter.