Via The Star in Toronto, an AP report: Swine flu authorities around the world contemplate whether - and when - to shut schools. Excerpt:
Experts say school closures simply buy time. They don't reduce the number of cases; they just spread them over a longer period. Closing schools is also disruptive and costly as working parents must juggle their schedules to take care of their children.
"With a mild virus like swine flu, I think it is not necessary to close schools," said Simon Cauchemez, a flu expert at London's Imperial College. "The only reason you would do it in the current outbreak is if you're afraid the healt
In France, however, officials may send an entire class home or even close schools if as few as three students in the same class have flu symptoms within less than a week. The French education minister, Luc Chatel, said the country is ready to broadcast lessons on TV and radio if many schools are closed.
Other European nations, including Austria, Germany, Spain and Switzerland, say they will consider closing schools on a case-by-case basis.
