Universities, schools closed due to flu outbreak

Classes at Maldives National University (MNU) and Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) have been suspended due to the rapid spread of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) in the country, especially in the capital, Male' City.

The alert level has been increased to Level III after the number of confirmed swine flu cases rose sharply from 27 to 51 and resulted in a fatality in less than 12 hours last Monday.

Ministry of Education has now closed all schools, and universities have followed in the footsteps to suspend all classes as well.

Vice Chancellor of MNU, Dr. Ali Fawaaz Shareef reported to “Sun” that classes are suspended starting this Tuesday and that the university will remain closed the coming week which is the mid-term holiday.

MNU’s graduation scheduled for next week has also been postponed indefinitely.

Chancellor of IUM, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed said that classes at the university too have been suspended, and will resume once the flu outbreak is under control.