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The Center for Disease Control has issued "Interim Guidance" for schools to deal with the threat of infection by the H1N1 virus.

School Dismissal and Childcare Facility Closures:

- Dismissal of students should be strongly considered in schools with a confirmed or a suspected case epidemiologically linked to a confirmed case.

- Decisions regarding broader school dismissal within these communities should be left to local authorities, taking into account the extent of ILI in the community.

- If the school dismisses students or a childcare facility closes, they should also cancel all school or childcare related gatherings and encourage parents and students to avoid congregating outside of the school.

- Schools and childcare facilities should dismiss students for a time period to be evaluated on an ongoing basis depending upon epidemiological findings.

- Schools and childcare facilities should consult with their local or state health departments for guidance on reopening. If no additional confirmed or suspected cases are identified among students (or school-based personnel) for a period of 7 days (today’s info. mentions possibly 14 days), schools may consider reopening.

- Schools and childcare facilities in unaffected areas should begin to prepare for the possibility of school dismissal or childcare facility closure. This includes asking teachers, parents and officials in charge of critical school-associated programs (such as meal services) to make contingency plans.

For the CDC's guidelines for homes and other social environments, click here.

For information from the Texas Department of State Health Services, click here.