(Omaha, NE) -- A northwest Omaha daycare announced they are temporarily closing following over a hundred COVID-19 cases being traced back to their facility.
A statement from Rosewood Academy says they are closing to devote all of their energy to defending their business and its reputation from what they say is a smear campaign orchestrated by a handful of individuals.
The daycare is under investigation by Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the Douglas County Health Department for a second possible outbreak.
They sent the following letter to families enrolled at the daycare:
"Dear Rosewood Academy Families:
We cannot thank you enough for your continued support as we navigate this devastating social media assault on Rosewood Academy. The notes we have received from many of you regarding the positive experiences your children are having at Rosewood Academy and the continued trust you have in Rosewood Academy have given us renewed strength to weather this storm. We truly appreciated your support.
Unfortunately, it has become clear to us that we need to devote 100% of our immediate time and energy to defending our business and our reputations through the pendency of this investigation. We are not heavy social media users, and we have absolutely underestimated how people will use the internet to spread rumors and misinformation that can lead to devastating outcomes. This smear campaign, which has been orchestrated by a handful of individuals and carried out behind their iPhones, has pushed us to this. The day will come when those individuals will be compelled to actually speak their claims out loud, after being sworn and under penalty of perjury.
In the meantime, because of this, we are making the heart-wrenching decision to temporarily and voluntarily close all of our locations for the next two weeks. We know the hardships this places on many of you and for this we are so truly sorry. Please understand that we want Rosewood Academy to be here for you in the long term and therefore, we must make this difficult short-term decision.
We know how busy our families are, and that is why we have not asked you to reach out to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to share your support for Rosewood Academy. But if you are all inclined to do so, we would be very, very appreciative. You can reach DHHS at (402) 471-6564 or at DHHS.ChildCareLicensing@nebraska.gov."
(Photo courtesy of WOWT 6 News)