Government may consider school closures due to 'swine flu': Azerbaijani Health Ministry

He said this issue is decided by the Health Ministry and by the government.

“Once there is a need for this, the health institutions should make proposals," he said.

“The school regulations, old and new education laws stipulate that local authorities are illegible change terms of the school vocations upon the request of local education offices and hygiene-epidemiological stations in case of natural disasters or emergency situations. But there is no need for this yet."

Chief of the Hygiene-Epidemiological Department of the Health Ministry Victor Gasimov said it is too early to consider closing schools because of 'swine flu' in Azerbaijan.

"This is third case in Azerbaijan. Earlier two cases were identified in July. The schools can not be closed because of a single case. But the issue will be reviewed depending on the epidemiological situation. If the epidemiological situation worsens and there is an increase in the number of 'swine flu' cases, the government will review the issue," he said.

/APA/