HEALTH OFFICER SAYS 'STAY HOME' IF FLU SYMPTOMS SURFACE

(10/09/2009)

The West Virginia Board of Education got a lesson on swine flu yesterday. Dr. Cathy Slemp, the state Health Officer, says the state is on the upswing with more cases being reported every day. Slemp says she believes it's important to stress to parents and students to stay home if they show any signs of the virus. So far, only a couple of WV schools have closed because of the virus. State Superintendent Dr. Steve Paine says he's taking action to make sure sick kids know it's okay to miss class while they battle the virus. "I am going to advise and urge our local superintendents and their boards to be lenient in terms of how they look at their attendance policies and exam policies especially at a time when we're all concerned for the safety of our kids," Paine said. Board members had questions about school attendance when it comes to meeting requirements under No Child Left Behind. Board President Priscilla Haden says Dr. Paine has assured them it will not interfere with the best interest of the students. "It's real easy under these circumstances to sort of panic or overreact and when we do that we don't necessarily make things any better or improve the situation," said Gayle Manchin, a member of the state board.

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