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Gateshead headteacher contracts swine flu

Jul 3 2009 By Dan Warburton

The headteacher of a Gateshead primary school has contracted swine flu, the local council said.

Sacred Heard RC Primary in Byermoor will not close as a result of him becoming ill. The head has received treatment and is recovering at home.

Maggie Atkinson, Group Director of Learning and Children at Gateshead Council, said: ``We are working closely with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to assess and monitor the situation at the school.

``However the advice we have received is that all pupils and members of staff should continue to attend school as usual, providing they are well.

``The school will therefore remain open as normal, as have schools elsewhere during the current stage of the outbreak.

``The HPA acknowledges that swine flu is now widespread in the general community so there is nothing to gain from closing the school.

``The school is keeping parents and staff closely informed of the situation."

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