Eastern NC high school reopens after closing due to widespread sickness

An eastern North Carolina high school closed for two days last week because of widespread illness.

Washington County High School was closed Thursday and Friday due to a high number of students and staff who were sick.

According to the school system's chief personnel officer, almost two-thirds of the staff at the school were sick with a large number of the students in each of the classes who were also sick.

The school had their custodians deep clean the surfaces in the classrooms, the cafeteria, hallways and even the buses.

"We want to make sure that we have an opportunity to get in and deep clean the building, get the chemicals in, get the buses cleaned up, so that we can keep a safe environment for all students and staff," said Washington County Schools Chief Personnel Officer Michael Yancey.

The school remained closed until Monday to allow the sick students and staff to get proper rest, along with allowing time for the cleaning chemicals to kill any bacteria inside the school.