New Delhi: The health ministry on Wednesday asked educational institutes not to shut but take preventive measures to control the swine flu spread and advised students to avoid study tours to the infected countries.
An official circular said: "Given the current magnitude of the spread of A(H1N1) infection and the fact that the virus is fairly mild, closure of educational institutions on account of any student/staff member falling ill with flu like symptoms is not recommended."
The guideline, however, said educational institutes are encouraged to report the flu cases to local health officers for further monitoring.
"In the first place, the schools should discourage the excursions of the students to the affected countries.
"In case students have already proceeded to affected countries on unavoidable tours, then on their return, if some students show flu like symptoms of fever, sore-throat, cough, bodyache, running nose, difficulty in breathing, they should be advised to abstain from attending school and be allowed to stay at home for a period of 7 to 10 days," the ministry said.
While allowing students to stay home, authorities must not insist on production of medical certificate by the student or staff.
"In case of students staying in hostels, the educational institutions would not only monitor the health status of the students, but also that of care providers."
Several schools across the country, mainly in Delhi and Pune, were closed entirely or partially after some of their students tested positive for the flu earlier this month.
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