Schools in Hampstead Garden Suburb closed after swine flu symptoms reported (From Haringey Independent)

Schools in Hampstead Garden Suburb closed after swine flu symptoms reported

10:56am Wednesday 17th June 2009

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TWO schools in Hampstead Garden Suburb are closed today while pupils are tested for swine flu after reporting symptoms of the virus.

Garden Suburb Infants and Garden Suburb Junior schools, in Childs Way, will initially remain closed for 24 hours.

Swab tests for the H1N1 virus are being carried out today on children and teachers who are reporting symptoms.

Health chiefs said several pupils have had a mild viral-type illness, but emphasised the virus appears to be mild and children are recovering “very quickly”.

Several staff members at the schools were unable to attend work yesterday, and because of the difficulties of organising adult supervision, the decision was taken to close the school.

The reports of flu-like symptoms at the school were announced by Dr Andrew Burnett, director of health improvement and medical director at Barnet Primary Care Trust, at Barnet Council's health overview and scrutiny committee on Monday evening.

He told councillors that hospitals had been put on alert and were asked to have “a low threshold of suspicion” with cases, meaning swabs should be taken if swine flu symptoms such as a sore throat and coughing were showing in any of the patients.

The school is due to keep parents informed of all developments regarding the situation from 1pm.

Parents who are concerned about their child’s health are advised to contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or telephone their GP surgery for advice.

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