Of 112 cases in Pune,70 detected in schools

“We will also be informing the students about the symptoms,and the precautions to be taken,” said Nirmala Chandy,school supervisor.

Meanwhile,the first student to test positive for swine flu in the city — from Abhinav English Medium School — has already rejoined school. Abhinav School was closed for a week after more cases were detected. Later,students of 10 other schools — Symbiosis,Seva Sadan,Vivekanand,Vidya Valley,Springdale,Late Annabhau Patil,St Anne’s,DES,New India and Vikhe-Patil — were also found to have cases of swine flu.

Jaya Bhaskar,principal of Abhinav,said class teachers have been instructed to screen students everyday. “If a teacher finds someone with cough,cold or fever,we immediately tell the parents to carry out tests. We have told students not to come to school if they are even slightly unwell,” she said. “We have also asked our students to avoid public places like shopping malls or cinema halls. In school too,we are avoiding crowding of students. Even while issuing instructions,care is taken to ensure that there is no occasion for the students to assemble,” said Bhaskar.

Binita Punekar,principal of Army Public School,Camp Area,said a medical officer from the Army had already instructed teachers and students on precautions. “We have created a sick room. We already have a nursing assistant for check-ups and also a back-up from AFMC doctors.”

Earlier in the day,officers of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC),along with the zilla parishad education department,conducted a meeting with school principals. Among other instructions,schools were told to quell panic among students and parents.