While one private school has been shut down due to swine flu, San Diego County public schools remain open. In fact, school officials are trying to alleviate concerns about swine flu on local campuses. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.
The superintendents of 36 San Diego County school districts took part in a conference call to develop a unified approach in dealing with parental concerns.
The school leaders are taking their cues from the county's office of health and human services department, which recently sent them a letter saying there is NO need to close schools.
That letter is being sent home to parents, posted on district websites and displayed in school offices throughout the county.
Jim Esterbrooks with the County Office of Education. He says school officials are also being instructed to remind staff and students to take extra precautions.
"School personnel clean off student desks, wipe down doorknobs in classrooms, and buses should be wiped down and clean at the end of the day. And that children be reminded of the importance of washing their hands regularly," says Esterbrooks.
District officials say they've not seen an increase in student absences, but will be monitoring attendance trends.
Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.
