Schools to open despite flu fears

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Schools, colleges and universities in Northern Ireland will open as normal this September despite concerns about swine flu, ministers have said.

The decision was taken at a meeting held at Stormont on Thursday.

It was attended by Health Minister Michael McGimpsey, Education Minister Caitriona Ruane and Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey.

Mr McGimpsey said their decision was supported by scientific evidence, but would be kept under review.

"While the number of cases in Northern Ireland continues to decrease, our levels of flu and flu-like illness remain significantly higher than expected for this time of the year," he said.

"We are also planning for an expected surge of cases in the autumn and winter.

"There may, therefore, be some valid reasons for school closures throughout the academic year, but this would be the exception rather than the rule.

"The knock-on effect of such closures on other sectors, including health and social care, could be considerable and such a decision will not be taken lightly."

Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride and Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Elizabeth Mitchell also attended the meeting.

Earlier on Thursday, The INTO teachers union said some of its members were becoming concerned about the possible impact on schools.

Northern Secretary Frank Bunting said: "INTO urges our members to follow the DHSSPS guidance and if they think they have swine flu to stay at home and rest, taking paracetamol and drink plenty of fluids and not visit their GP practice, pharmacy or A&E in person."

Mr Bunting also urged parents of children who are ill with the virus to remain at home and seek appropriate medical advice to prevent the spread of the disease within schools.

A soldier from Coleraine, County Londonderry, died from swine flu earlier this month.

Lee Porter, 30, a bombardier in the Royal Artillery, died at Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey.

A swine flu vaccination campaign will be launched in Northern Ireland this autumn, but only certain at risk groups will be given the jab.

Those with underlying health conditions up to the age of 65 have been identified as the first priority, followed by pregnant women.

Health and social care workers will also get the jab.

There have been 97 laboratory confirmed cases of swine flu so far in Northern Ireland.