Should Schools be Closed Early?

Disease experts are counselling closing schools early, and keeping them closed, in order to prevent the spread of Swine Flu in the Autumn.

The Göteborgs-Posten reports that the Swedish Institute for Infectious Diseases (Smittskyddsinstitutet) has carried out a computer simulation, that leads to the conclusion that closing schools early and keeping them shut for 30 days is the best way to prevent the spread of Swine Flu.

But Martin Holmberg, doctor at the National Board for Health and Welfare (socialstyrelsen) says this will not work; partly because someone has to take care of the children, and partly because kids will probably end up hanging out together anyway and hence spreading the sickness to their parents as well.

Any decision on closing schools will be taken by the local authority councils.