Swine Flu Outbreak Prompts School Closings in New York City

The number of confirmed swine flu cases in New York has been rising quickly and along with it public and private schools in the city are beginning to close. So far five different schools have temporarily closed so far and more expected to close soon. At this point only schools with confirmed swine flu cases or students/staff showing flu like symptoms have been closed.

The five schools that have closed so far include St. Francis, Saint Brigid’s, Good Shepherd School, another unconfirmed catholic school, Bishop Kearney High, and one other unconfirmed public school.

At this point there have been over 50 confirmed swine flu cases in New York City alone but none of these people have experienced severe symptoms and all are recovering well at this point.

The school closings are mainly precautionary measures imposed by school officials after parents began expressing their concerns when students at the school were either confirmed to have the swine flu or began showing flu-like symptoms.

It is not currently known when these schools will reopen but they are expected to be closed at least through the weekend.