Portland schools open despite flu fears

(WTNH) - While some schools are closing due to flu fears, Portland and Branford schools have decided to stay open.

Both schools have seen a substantial rise in student absences due to flu-like symptoms, but have no plans in closing.

"At the local level, we have not established a certain number or percentage of absences that would automatically trigger a school closing. Rather, we will evaluate every situation independently. School nurses compile information on a daily basis that indicates the prevalence of flu-like symptoms in the school population," Sally Doyen, Superintendent of Schools, said in a letter to parents on Oct. 23. "Doctors are not screening for H1N1 specifically, so we cannot say that we have had any confirmed cases."

Branford followed suit with a letter sent home to parents on Oct. 26, stating, "While we have no plans to close school, should our numbers of students who are ill increase and/or if we have a significant number of staff absent, we may well revisit this decision."

Portland schools follow the advice of Chatham Regional Health District who will make determinations as to when any flu-like occurrences or statistics may require some type of school-wide or town-wide action.

To read the full letter sent home to Portland parents on Oct. 23, click here.

To read the full letter sent home to Branford parents on Oct. 26, click here.