BY MATT LINDSEY
North Country This Week

CANTON -- Canton Central School is seeing more than twice the amount of students out sick as COVID, flu and other illnesses make their rounds in the North Country.

On Wednesday, the district had 15% of students absent, according to Superintendent Ronald Burke. An average day has about 6% of students absent.

"A host of respiratory viruses, including influenza, RSV and COVID-19, have taken hold in our state and in most of our communities," a statement to parents and the community said. "These viruses, while often manageable, can cause serious outcomes, especially for children. They have been straining our healthcare system and are taxing the availability of pediatric beds across New York."

In the case of COVID, Burke says the district has test kits available for families who wish to have them.

Families are urged to keep sick children home to help stop the spread of illnesses.

"Families continue to be diligent in monitoring the health of their children and are keeping them home when they present with symptoms of illness," Burke said. "It is not unreasonable for a child to leave home in the morning perfectly fine and develop symptoms while at school."

Earlier this week the State Education Department and the Department of Health issued a joint memo reminding schools of the need to have our school communities remain vigilant with the rise of RSV and influenza cases around the state.

The New York State Education Department and the New York State Department of Health issued a joint memo which in part reads:

The number of laboratory-confirmed flu cases has nearly tripled over the past three weeks and flu hospitalizations have more than doubled. In addition, COVID-19 continues to pose a significant threat, particularly for unvaccinated or under-vaccinated New Yorkers, as the virus remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States.

Communities and schools should encourage these common sense precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:

1. Staying up to date on vaccines, including Flu and COVID-19.

2. Wash your hands often with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds.

3. Not coughing or sneezing into your hands; sneeze or cough into your elbow.

4. Staying home when sick or symptomatic.

5. Wearing a well-fitting, high-quality mask when in public indoor spaces.