Mumbai schools shut for a week
POSTED August 12, 2009 - 16:04 | POSTED BY Priya Markanda
Last edited by Sham Kamboj on August 12, 2009 - 16:30
Also malls and multiplexes will be shut down for almost three days to curb the manace of the influenza.
"The government has ordered the closure of all schools, colleges and other educational institutions in the city from tomorrow till Aug 20. Similarly, malls, theaters and multiplexes shall be closed for three days from tomorrow as a precaution," a state government official said.
Already many private schools in the state have closed down for two days i.e. Wednesday and Thursday. Thereafter, Friday, Saturday and Sunday have been announced as official holidays by the concerned government.
However, confusion prevailed over the fate of business and commercial establishments of whether they would continue to function as usual in the city or not.
WHO: India should be cautious
The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged India to be cautious about the spread of the influenza in wider areas.
WHO India representative Dr. SJ Habayeb said, “The spread (of H1N1 virus) is in its early stage and more spread is expected.”
“As the number of silent infections as well as symptomatic cases increase (in India), so will the proportion of severe manifestations and regrettably, the number of deaths,” he added.
The global health organization noted that the number of laboratory confirmed cases are much lower than the actual number. The possibility of the swine flu having gripped a larger population than what is currently being reported cannot be ruled out.
“In rural areas and smaller districts, people do not have enough awareness and health care facilities. They don’t have laboratories. Spread of the virus in these areas could create havoc,” a health expert on the condition of anonymity said.
The WHO has recommended stationing of anesthetists, microbiologists and other public health professionals in far-flung areas to thwart the spread of the virus.
The over-all scenario
The insidious H1N1 influenza is in no mood to relent. With each passing day it is making its way into newer parts of the country. Tuesday reported the highest number of positive cases in single day with 119 people testing positive. The swine flu tally in the country has touched 1,078 and is in no mood to stop.
