Flu, COVID Infections Lead to School Closures in Kentucky

January 16, 2026

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KENTUCKY (FOX 56) — Post-holiday illnesses are spreading through Kentucky schools, and some districts are already seeing disruptions as a result.

On Thursday, Carter County Schools announced that classes would be canceled Friday, along with Saturday’s elementary basketball game, due to a high number of flu and COVID-19 cases.

School officials said they hope the long weekend, with Monday closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, will give students and staff time to recover and help slow the spread of illness.

Despite the closures, district leaders said some athletic and academic activities will continue because they cannot be rescheduled or are difficult to plan around due to uncertainty.

On Wednesday, Middlesboro Independent Schools announced non-traditional instruction days for both Thursday and Friday because of increased illness.

Other districts have also reported closures. Carter County Schools and Robertson County Schools are closed Friday, while Middlesboro Independent Schools is operating under an NTI day.

Weather conditions could also play a role in additional delays. School officials and the FOX 56 Weather Authority are urging drivers to use caution on the roads and allow extra time to warm up vehicles before traveling.

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