CISCO, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) — Several independent school districts in the Big Country are closing for the week after illnesses have led to a “high number of absences from students and staff.”

Clyde CISD made the announcement Wednesday that they are closing Thursday and Friday due to illness, and will resume class Tuesday after the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

Cisco, Ranger, and Santa Anna made similar announcements Tuesday due to increased absences from COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms.

In a news release, Cisco ISD says more than 130 students were absent Tuesday, 41 of whom tested positive for COVID-19.

The remaining ill students reported flu-like symptoms, including stomachache and soreness, according to the news release.

The district was already scheduled to be closed Friday and Monday, so students will be eligible to return to classes beginning Tuesday, January 18, the release states.

The district says maintenance will use the time to thoroughly clean all facilities, as the safety of their community, students, and staff remains a priority.

Santa Anna ISD also closed classes until Tuesday due to COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms causing a shortage in staff members.

Ranger ISD says they have approximately 90 absences, approximately one-third of which are related to COVID-19. Unlike Cisco and Santa Anna, Ranger will reopen on Monday.

St. John’s Episcopal School and Abilene ISD will be closed until Wednesday.