Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Unless there are many absent and a school can't function effectively, the state Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not recommend closing schools to prevent the spread of swine flu.

The North Providence superintendent asked the state last week for permission to let Greystone School end its school year after only 176 days -- four days short of the mandatory 180-day school year -- because the school was closed for four days after three students came down with the disease.

David R. Gifford, the state Health Department director, said the decision is up to the individual districts.

"School districts should keep in mind that unplanned closures are very disruptive to the community, and should be used as a last resort," Gifford said. "Sporadic cases of swine flu continue to increase in the community at large, therefore minimizing the effect of closing schools on the spread of illness."

Department officials say prevention continues to be the best way to stop spreading swine flu or any other disease or illness. Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. Use alcohol-based hand gels. Cough and sneeze into your elbow. And stay home for at least 7 days if you become ill with influenza-like symptoms.

 Tags  health swine flu

Comments

Bree Hill said:

I have a tip that teaches the above recommendations. It is a great program called Germy Wormy Germ Smart that teaches kids to understand how germs spread, and how to NOT spread them. My daughter learned it at school. It was so much fun for her, and it was amazing how quickly the kids learned healthier hygiene habits!

Link | June 17, 2009 11:56 PM
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