In light of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announcement that schools no longer need to close for swine flu, the RISD will not opt to close schools which experience future outbreaks. The new CDC assessment is that the swine flu has been similar in severity to regular seasonal flus, and that public health resources in the U.S. are equipped to sufficiently handle the flu in its current state.
Lake Highlands’ Northlake Elementary will remain closed until Monday, May 11 while clean up crews scrub down desks and disinfect playground equipment. County health officials advise that this school stay closed due to the high absentee rate and multiple suspected cases on that campus.
All RISD parents are strongly encouraged to keep children home if they exhibit any flu-like symptoms. LHHS principal Walter Kelly says the entire staff is holding their breath – literally and figuratively – hoping to complete the year, administer exams, and hold graduation ceremonies without interruption.