NEW: Elementary school closed due to possible outbreak of norovirus

December 1, 2016 5:16 pm

By: News Staff

news@abc6.com

CRANSTON, R.I. – An elementary school has announced it will be closed on Friday due to what authorities are saying is an outbreak of an illness believed to be the norovirus.

School officials at Gladstone Elementary School say out of the 515 students that attend the school, 161 called out sick on Thursday. Another 50 went home early, describing similar symptoms.

A statement from the school read in part: "the RI Department of Health was consulted and believe it to be a virus such as that of norovirus. While they did not mandate that we close for the day, we thought that it was prudent to close so we can thoroughly disinfect the building."

The cleansing of the building including desks, chairs, and other frequently touched surfaces, is said to start Thursday and continue throughout the weekend.

Authorities also stated the buses that Gladstone students use, as well as the food service area will also be thoroughly disinfected.