'Maintain 3-ft distance to check swine flu'

School principals term Swine Flu Cell's directive to prevent contact transmission impracticable

Three feet. That's the minimum distance that health officials expect school managements to maintain between students during the upcoming exam season.

Speaking to MiD DAY, Dr Pradeep Awate, officer in-charge, swine flu cell, said instructions on the subject have already been dispatched to schools. "This distance is required in order to lessen chances of contact transmission from one student to another," said Awate.

School principals say the Swine Flu Cell's suggestions are impracticable. "We seat about 25 students per class.

It is impossible for us to maintain a 3-feet distance. The suggestions should be realistic. We cannot create infrastructure overnight or conduct exams in batches," said Lily Patel, principal, Sardar Dastoor Hoshang Boys School.

Meena Chandawarkar,u00a0 director of New India School in Kothrud, said the maximum distance they would be able to manage is 1.5 feet.

"We take precautions anyway. Students with flu-like symptoms are not allowed to take exams. They are sent home. Maintaining a three feet distance is not practical at all."