Over half of schools have 'confirmed' swine flu cases
Date published: 23 July 2009

Councillor Zulf Ali
When schools in Rochdale closed for the summer holidays on 17 July, 48 of the 91 schools had “confirmed” cases of swine flu.
Parents of children at all schools with confirmed cases have been sent a letter giving guidance.
Councillor Zulf Ali said: "Rochdale Council is working closely with other agencies and will take a decision before the new term starts on whether schools will reopen."
The Government is reportedly considering teaching chidlren via the internet in the event that schools do not reopen after the summer holidays.
The number of cases of swine flu in the borough has increased significantly and as previously revealed by Rochdale Online, swine flu has struck Rochdale Council workers from Telegraph House were sent home after contracting the illness.
Advice for those with swine flu symptoms to stay at home and not go into GP practices, walk in centres or Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments.
Dr Sheila Will, Director of Public Health at NHS HMR said: “If people need support, the NHS will make sure you get it, but by not turning up to these healthcare settings will protect the most vulnerable.
“The most important thing people can do if they have flu like symptoms is to stay at home and check their symptoms either on the NHS Choices website or by talking to a GP over the phone.
“People with symptoms in high risk groups - those with long term chronic illness, pregnant women, over 65s and children under five should contact their GP over the phone as soon as possible to arrange getting anti viral treatment.”
Do you have a story for us?
Let us know by emailing news@rochdaleonline.co.uk
All contact will be treated in confidence.
Most Viewed News Stories
- 1Rochdale Online Ltd has ceased trading
- 2Man killed in M62 crash after car hits bridge at junction 19
- 3Abandoned shopping centre to be brought back to life as a banqueting hall
- 4The land has laid dormant for years, now £15m could help see it transformed
- 5GMP detain carjacker minutes after committing burglary in Rochdale
To contact the Rochdale Online news desk, email news@rochdaleonline.co.uk or visit our news submission page.
To get the latest news on your desktop or mobile, follow Rochdale Online on Twitter and Facebook.