Delhi govt to issue flu advisory to schools, 228 cases in city

New Delhi, Aug 9 (PTI) With the city reporting 13 fresh
cases of swine flu, the government of India's capital Delhi
Sunday said it will issue an advisory to all schools to take
precautionary measures but appealed to the people not to
"panic".

Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit, who chaired a
special cabinet meeting to review the flu situation in the
city, told reporters that though some school managements have
decided to close their institutions after flu cases, the
government "is not issuing any instruction to close schools".

To a question, she also said schools should consult the
government before shutting down and there have to be
"reasonable grounds" why they should be closed.

"We are issuing an advisory to all city schools tomorrow
morning, asking them to be careful, ensure that H1N1-flu
affected children are not sent to schools. They should
identify the symptoms and take precautions," Dikshit said.

The national capital has so far reported 228 cases of
swine flu, of which 170 patients have been discharged and 58
are under treatment, she said. Delhi had reported 215 flu
cases till Saturday.

"The people of Delhi should not panic that there is a big
outbreak of swine flu. But they should take precautions... We
appeal to the families of victims to maintain quarantine and
wear masks to prevent spread of the disease."

Dikshit said those having flu, even the normal seasonal
flu, should contact their doctors but should not take any
medicine without prescription as it might be harmful.

"We have designated 14 hospitals -- 11 of Delhi
government, two of government of India and one of MCD -- where
testing for swine flu is being done and all treatment are
being given," she said.

"We are not roping in private hospitals at this moment as
this is a special kind of a medicine and a special kind of a
test," she said. Asked about the Centre's suggestion on
identifying private hospitals, she said the process is on.

"There are two nodal officers who will be available for
24 hours if any advice or help is needed. We have also set up
a helpline -- 23921401," Dikshit said.

She asked the citizens to take precautionary measures,
specially in relation to quarantine. "If you are the
unfortunate victim, you should ensure that you do not spread
it and the families should also be careful," the Chief
Minister said. Three-layered masks should be used, she added.

She said there are reports of cases from some schools.
"They can close...but we are not issuing instructions...we do
not feel the situation has reached a stage where all schools
should be closed."

Two city schools -- Sanskriti School and DPS East of
Kailash -- have been closed for a week from Monday after a
student each from the institution tested positive for swine
flu.

Dikshit said area residents should inform the government
if there is any positive case in their locality so that health
workers can reach there.

To a question if Delhi is considering any step like
India's southern state of Tamil Nadu government, which has
issued an advisory to people not to visit Maharashtra, she
replied in the negative, pointing out that people from all
over the world come to Delhi. "We are focusing on the children
as they are soft targets."

She said the Delhi government is "doing its best".
"Because it is a kind of an infectious thing, if it spreads,
we should be prepared and we are trying to see that we do get
prepared for the future also," she said.

Delhi Health Minister Kiran Walia said the government is
ensuring that the hospitals maintain hygiene standards. "The
medical superintendents are doing a good job. A large number
of patients are coming to hospitals out of sheer anxiety," she
said. PTI SDG
ANU
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