US to issue new Swine Flu advice to schools

Source: Associated Press wire

WASHINGTON August 7 Sapa-AP

By LIBBY QUAID

Swine flu is expected to return when kids go back to school, and
the government is hoping its new advice on when to shut down
schools during an outbreak will prevent the panic and confusion
that led to hundreds of school closures last spring.

The government was to issue new guidance Friday for schools to
follow when swine flu strikes. Unlike regular seasonal flu, this
virus has not retreated during the hot and humid summer months and
so far has infected more than 1 million Americans.

"We hope no schools have to close, but realistically, some
schools will close this fall," Education Secretary Arne Duncan said
this week during a forum with administration officials that was
broadcast online.

The decision to close actually rests with local school
officials. But those officials are looking to the federal
government for advice about the new flu strain that has caused a
global epidemic, or pandemic.


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