More schools in mid-Essex have reported high levels of winter sickness among pupils, with absence rates now reaching up to 50 per cent.
Hundreds of pupils and teachers have been unable to attend schools around Braintree and Witham because of illness.
Notley Green Primary School was forced to close today after about 50 per cent of staff were too ill to go to school.
Angie Jones, business manager of the Blickling Road school, said: "We have a severe shortage of staff due to sickness.
"We anticipate the school being closed to sickness only today, but tomorrow is an inset day, so the children won't be coming in."
The school has 346 pupils, some of whom have also been ill.
Shalford Primary School in Church End has had an absence rate as high as 20 per cent and Templars Junior School in Conrad Road, Witham, was forced to close for one day last week because of a high level of staff sickness.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Thursday, February 9, 2006
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