Saudi schools to shut if 10% of students get flu

Saudi authorities will close down schools for a week if 10 per cent of the students display symptoms of swine flu or a pupil dies of the disease.

Saudi authorities will close down schools for a week if 10 per cent of the students display symptoms of swine flu or a pupil dies of the disease.

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The conditions for swine-flu-related school closures were adopted following a meeting yesterday between officials from the education and health ministries. The school year begins early October.

Due to its role as an international pilgrimage destination, the kingdom is susceptible to a massive spread of swine flu.

Millions of Muslims visit the holy city of Mecca throughout the year, particularly in November.

Authorities have already registered 3,500 of swine flu cases, including 26 deaths from the disease.