Swine Flu Fears Hit Two Jewish Schools

By Justin Cohen - Friday 3rd July 2009


As swine flu continued to spread apace across Britain, Jewish News has learnt that a pupil at JFS was being tested for the virus while a Jewish nursery in the capital was also hit by a scare.

The male pupil is thought to have been tested after his sister was confirmed with the condition last week, although neither the school or Brent Council divulged the results of those tests. JFS said however that the school "is taking and following the regular advice from both the local authority and the area health authority".

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While not discussing any particular cases, Brent Council confirmed 31 schools in the borough have suspected or confirmed cases of swine flu virus as of 30 June, with that number changing daily.

A spokesman insisted: "This should not be a cause for major alarm. Brent, in line with London as a whole, is experiencing an increase in the number of children and young adults affected. It is understandable that parents and carers are concerned but the situation is under control.

"Official medical advice is that the symptoms are mild in the majority of cases. Brent Council is working closely with schools and the NHS to provide support and advice for schools and parents. The council has set up a special team to work on this and is closely monitoring the situation."

The Health Protection Agency only recommends closing schools if this will help to contain and lessen the spread of the virus, the spokesman added. He said: "Schools are staying open because the virus is spreading in the wider community through mixing with family and close friends outside of school. Parents with concerns about their child's school should discuss it with the school. If they have health concerns, it is best to contact a GP or NHS Direct."

Amid news that cases across the country had reached nearly 6,000, Kerem House Nursery in Hampstead Garden Suburb was also hit by a swine flu scare - there had been fears that a number of staff members who had been unwell might have the virus.

The issue was referred to in a letter from Vice Chairman of Governors Joe Stelzer to parents on Tuesday in which he also explained the various reasons for closing the nursery from Monday morning until yesterday.

"Primarily, our staffing resource fell short of the minimum requirements required due to several staff being ill. We were concerned that they might have swine flu but, as I am sure you are aware, swabbing is not now being carried out. Those staff are now fit for work.

"We fully expect there to be more cases both at Kerem House and Kerem School as there are numerous instances within local families. We will not be closing either Kerem House or Kerem School in the future unless either Barnet policy changes or we are unable to provide adequate resources to teach and care for your children."

He added that it was believed a dead rodent was washed underneath the building amid last weekend's heavy rain. "Our pest control specialist has dealt with the matter and we have sought advice from the Barnet Environmental Health Dept to confirm that there is no health issue. Parents entering the Nursery will notice the presence of a deodorising fragrance."

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