Schools close as ‘tidal wave’ of flu sweeps across the UK

Schools have been forced to close or take measures to reduce the spread of illness in recent weeks as a severe strain of flu sweeps through classrooms across the UK.

- ATHENA STAVROU

Headteachers have reported having to impose restrictions to stop the spread of what has been dubbed a “tidal wave of flu” in recent weeks, which has seen a surge in pupil absences.

Some have shut for several days to carry out deep cleans, while others have made major adjustments, such as cancelling singing in school assemblies.

Congleton High School in Cheshire was one of several schools forced to close due to a number of cases of the flu.

Writing on social media, the school said it had to shut on 26 and 27 November to carry out a deep clean of the premises after discussions with the UK Security North West Health Protection Team and Infection Control Team.

St Martin’s School in Caerphilly, south Wales, also closed for a “firebreak” period to allow a deep clean, the BBC reported after seeing an email from the school’s headteacher.

The email reportedly said 242 pupils and 12 members of staff have been reported absent due to illness at the school, and said the school would aim to reopen today.

Adam Finn, professor of paediatrics at the University of Bristol, who is a member of the government’s joint committee on immunisations and vaccinations, said the current dominant strain has mutated away from the strain used to make the vaccine.