Urgent Alert: Homer Schools Face Drastic 50% Drop in Attendance Amid Widespread Illness

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — In response to a significant drop in attendance to roughly 50% at their elementary and junior high schools, a school district in Champaign County is stepping up its cleaning efforts and urging students with symptoms of illness to remain at home.

Dr. Kimberly Norton, who serves as the superintendent of Heritage CUSD #8 located in Homer, reported that for the past two days, nearly half of the students at Heritage Elementary and Junior High School were absent. She noted that a viral illness is currently affecting the community, manifesting symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and cough.