12 Aug 2009

Samoa schools reopen after two-week swine flu break

1:12 pm on 12 August 2009

Children have returned to class in Samoa today after schools were closed for two weeks because of swine flu.

Samoa's Ministry of Health had ordered the schools to shut in an effort to limit transmission of the H1N1 virus within the community especially as it appeared to spread rapidly among children.

The principal of Samoa College, Reupena Rimoni, says the children look well and pleased to be back at school although he is not sure yet if those absent are sick or have just not heard about the return to classes.

"It's the first day back at school after the two week break and how I see it, it is much better than when we left for the two weeks. I mean there was a lot of coughing and sneezing amongst the students before they left, but now I think it's much better."

Reupena Rimoni says senior exams have been delayed by a week now starting on November 9th, and extra afternoon classes will run so children can catch up on work missed.