Schools urged to avoid use of air-conditioners

NST: PUTRAJAYA: Turn off the air-conditioners, switch on the fans and leave the windows open. This is the advice to schools to cut down on the risk of influenza A (H1N1) spreading among students.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said: "An outbreak is less likely to happen if the rooms are well ventilated."
He said Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican, who is also the chairman of the technical committee on influenza A (H1N1) would be meeting with Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin soon to bring up the matter.
So far, four schools have been ordered to close after local transmission of the disease among their students. They are SK Assunta 1, SK Assunta 2, Sri Cempaka International School and SJK(C) Jalan Davidson.
"We are not going close any more schools unless there is a sustained community transmission," said Liow.
A sustained community transmission is local transmission of the disease to third persons.
Liow assured the people that they need not panic.
"Our health officers are well equipped to contain the infections at this level now although we are still on high alert."
He also urged the public not to play the blame game, referring to calls by angry parents and the public for the father of the 11-year-old girl from SJK (C) Jalan Davidson infected with the flu, to issue a public apology.
"This is not going to solve anything. Now it is simply time to cooperate to make sure that the disease is not spread further."
Liow also had a stern message for those who spread rumours about the outbreak through SMS.
"We got news that people are receiving SMSes with false information about the outbreak.
"The only source for accurate information on the flu can only come from the Health Ministry, and we will be working with the police to find these irresponsible people who are causing panic and unnecessary alarm."