More East Tennessee school systems are closing because of illness.
Grainger County Schools will be closed Monday and Tuesday. Oneida will be closed on Monday.
Union, Monroe, and Roane County schools will also remain closed on Monday. Rhea County Schools will be closed Monday and Tuesday.
School staff will clean and sanitize the school during the off days.
Roane County Director of Schools Leah Watkins said they have had about 8 percent student absence over "several days," so they are hoping a long weekend will help students and teachers rest up.
The primary factor for deciding to close for a few days is the number of teachers and staff members who have been out sick, Watkins said.
"As those numbers go up, there are concerns with ensuring and continuing instruction," she said.
Grace Christian Academy in Knoxville called off school Wednesday, Thursday and Friday due to illness.
Loudon County students were off Thursday and Friday because of illness. Director of Schools Jason Vance says more than 600 students were out on Wednesday--- that's more than 12 percent of the student population. Many teachers are also sick, and finding substitutes has been a challenge.
There are a number of illnesses going around, according to Vance, including flu-like symptoms and stomach virus.
They will be cleaning & sanitizing schools over the next two days.
Earlier this week, Anderson County Schools were closed Monday and Tuesday after more than 800 students across the district missed class.
Custodial staff used the time without students for deep cleaning the buildings, desks and other furniture.