An Alabama school district is closing due to an outbreak of flu and strep throat.

Washington County Schools, in a Facebook post, said they will be closed Friday as a result of the illnesses, Al.com reported.

“Absences due to flu and strep are at an all-time high,” the system wrote in the post. “We ask that you use this extra-long holiday break to implement as many precautionary steps as you can. Wash all school clothing and backpacks in hot water. Please avoid anyone (outside the family) with flu symptoms, and do not send your children back to school if they present any signs of the infection.”

The system already was scheduled to be closed Feb. 24 and Feb. 25 for the Mardi Gras holiday.

According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, significant flu activity has been reported in every part of Alabama except Mobile.

The state has had five flu-related deaths so far in 2020, but no pediatric fatalities.