Closure of schools is no longer recommended even if one or two children get infected with H1N1 virus. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has received instructions from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare that in the wake of a further spread of swine flu and children getting infected there was no need to shut the school.

Self monitoring was important and the onus has shifted to the teachers who have to be vigilant. Dr R R Pardeshi, Chief Medical Officer, PMC, said students have been advised to stay at home in isolation for seven days. The teacher has to keep a close watch on the students in case of swine flu symptoms.

“We have conducted meetings with principals of 300 schools and will conduct another meeting with doctors to ensure that timely treatment is provided,” said Pardeshi. According to the Centre for Disease Control CDC, Atlanta, closure of schools is not recommended as the virus is already spread in the community.

Shashikant Dighe, Superintendent of St Helena’s School, said there were a few children with swine flu infection. “Our management decided to inform the PMC and we have not shut the school. We have instructed the children to stay at home.”