School Closed After Dozens Of Teachers and Staff Call in Sick After Catered Lunch

A spreading sickness in Matthews means more than 800 students won’t have to go to school for a second-straight day tomorrow.

School officials acted swiftly and cancelled class after they say they couldn’t find enough substitutes to fill the spots of those teachers who were too sick to come in Monday.

“They started calling into the principals, I think, one at a time, saying I’m sick, I’m going to need a substitute,” says Covenant Day School, Head of School Mark Davis.

30 teachers and 16 staff members at Covenant Day School in Matthews called in sick Monday, after showing symptoms including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea over the weekend.

Dr. Stephen Keener with the Mecklenburg County Health Department says, “The rapid onset of symptoms and the severity of the symptoms is making us suspect that our friend norovirus is responsible.”

Health officials did say that all of the faculty that were showing symptoms, attended a catered lunch here on Friday by Jersey Mike’s Sub.

Nick Smith, the owner of Jersey Mike’s Subs on Matthews Township Parkway, who says he’s been open for 20 years without any incidents.

“We learned today that some of the teachers fell ill.  We are terribly sorry to hear this. We are working with the health department now to determine the cause.”, he said.

Health officials warn the norovirus is contagious and can spread from an infected person — contaminated food or water — or by touching contaminated surfaces.

Health officials say the best way to protect one’s self against norovirus is, “Almost obsessive hand washing, and trying to avoid touching other people and surfaces.”

Davis says they have already taken steps to protect their staff.

“Absolutely contained! In fact we did a full cleaning of the building where this potentially transpired following the guidelines of the health department,”  says Davis.

There were no students at that luncheon and so far, there are no  reports of students getting sick.

The health department says they are still waiting for test results to confirm it was in fact norovirus.