Swine Flu Causes Thailand School Closures

Over 400 schools in Bangkok have been ordered to close for five days starting on Wednesday. It’s part of an effort to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus. Here’s more on the story. The Thai government has stepped up its anti-flu campaign to respond to the country’s 4,000 plus cases of H1N1, including 24 deaths. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration issued an order to close 435 elementary schools. The closure is meant to stop the chain of infection.

[Pensri Chotchasila, School Director]:
“The closure is supposed to stop the chain spreading the disease and the Bangkok Administration hopes that it will reduce the spreading to a certain level.” Hospitals were ordered to set up flu screening desks, and patients with fever are required to undergo a primary scan. The Thai Prime Minister spoke on a television talk show to about how he will deal with the pandemic.
[Abhisit Vejjajiva, Thai Prime Minister]:
“I think the threat became visible to a certain level. I asked the Ministry of Public Health to produce a handbook to distribute to all parties concerned, telling them what to do to respond to the threat. But one thing that I think is best in giving awareness, is to let people know that everyone is vulnerable, and they need to protect themselves.” On Monday the World Health Organization said that the H1N1 virus is “unstoppable” and gave drug makers the full go-ahead to manufacture vaccines.

SOURCE : NTDTV, July 15, 2009

Thailand School Closures

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