New guidelines soon to contain swine flu

The Centre will shortly issue a fresh set of guidelines for schools to help them contain the spread of A (H1N1) by asking the authorities to avoid holding morning assembly, cultural gatherings and any other kind of congregation.

Sources in the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry said school principals would also be asked to direct teachers to check the students for any flu-like symptoms and report it to the authorities.

In the remote areas where there is a shortage of health and paramedical staff, authorities could seek help from the police and local revenue officers in contact tracing in case of confirmed swine flu.

Also, the task force constituted would look into the possibility of using Indian alternative systems of medicine for treating and preventing swine flu. It is expected to submit its report in two days, following which a decision would be taken.

A new law is also being drafted to replace the century-old Epidemic Act.

It is expected to include more pandemic diseases in its purview to effectively deal with situations like the current spread of the A(H1N1) virus.