CAIRO- The World Health Organization (WHO) states that schools may serve as a contributor to the spread of the swine flu. WHO recommends "hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, proper cleaning, good ventilation, isolation of staff or students" to reduce infection. However, specific recommendation for closure of schools cannot not be made due to the complexity of the situation. Yet, timing of schools' closure are critical. The greatest benefits will be obtained if schools are closed early before one percent of the population are diseased.
Rana Zaqout, head of the Pandemic Influenza Contigency (PIC) unit for the Middle East and North Africa, states that there are many discrepancies about closing schools to prevent an outbreak because taking such action may impact Egypt socially and economically. Closure of schools may reduce the spread, but policies should limit congregation of students outside schools.
Education Minister Youssri el-Gamal says they might not close schools for the winter season
(Reliability: 9)
Comment: Pandemic Influenza Contigency (PIC) unit for the Middle East and North Africa is part of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHOA).
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