Third school closed in Bahrain for swine flu case

Posted by: rabia Monday, 5 October 2009 9:56 PM[UAE] - bahrain

why schools and not malls or cinemas?

Posted by: Meri Saturday, 19 September 2009 10:40 AM[UAE] - Dubai

Dear AJM, The answer to your question can be a quite lengthy one but let me make it brief. From my point of view, when it comes to mosque it relates to spirituality & faith. May be some people believe that a strong faith will prevent them from acquiring swine flu...the issue of applying the ban to mosque pertains to spiritual freedom & becomes very sensible to handle. I guess the decision in this case should be personal.

Posted by: AJM Friday, 18 September 2009 12:43 AM[UAE]

Why only schools and not mosques? Are thy trying to fool us?!!!

Posted by: Meri Thursday, 17 September 2009 12:34 PM[UAE] - UAE

I believe it is important to take the necessary forward actions. True swine flu is 'not that' virulent, the only difference being if it really spreads out, it becomes 'very virulent'. This flu should be checked & we should be doing what needs to be done+.

Posted by: Irritated Parent Thursday, 17 September 2009 11:38 AM[UAE] - Bahrain

My 2 year old daughter has already had a confirmed bout of swine flu (thankfully mild) and I must admit that the response from the hospital and health authorities (particularly the isolation unit and the Dept of Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health) was very impressive. However, I genuinely think that the Ministries of education and Health are overreacting in their treatment of schools. My daughter's school will be force to close for 7 days if 5% of children from ages 2-5 "is showing symptom of seasonal flu or general illness" (i.e. 4 children) or if there is a single case of swine flu. this is on top of the month long postponement to the start of term that has already been unilaterally imposed. This is ridiculous, particularly as the swine flu here in Bahrain has generally been mild (they no longer require you to visit the isolation hospital). If children have a day off school for *any* reason, we are being forced to get a doctor's certificate - this is going to place an unreasonable burden on a healthcare system that is hard pushed at the best of times. Yes swine flu is virulent, but it is less deadly than a 100 other diseases that routinely strike people on our island. Given that we are not reliant on a public transport system, it is very easy to avoid infection if you are vigilant with personal hygiene and keep some hand sanitizer on you at all times.