The school year will open on time, despite the growing threat of swine flu infections, it was decided Sunday night, during a meeting between Education Minister Gideon Saar and Deputy Health Minister Ya'akov Litzman. According to medical experts cited in the meeting, children and teenagers are at low risk for contracting the virus, although health authorities will remain on alert for spot outbreaks, especially as the weather turns colder, Litzman said.
The two called on parents to ensure proper hygiene among students, including ensuring that children bathe and wash their hands properly, and to pay attention to public hygiene standards. Parents are asked to keep alert for any signs of illness and to send their children to the doctor instead of school if they do get sick.