A SUFFOLK school has been closed because of fears over swine flu.

A SUFFOLK school has been closed because of fears over swine flu after a teacher contracted the virus.

Pupils at St Albans Roman Catholic High School in Digby Road, Ipswich, have been told not to return to lessons until next Tuesday.

Last week a teacher at the school was confirmed to be suffering from the virus, and several more cases involving both staff and pupils at the school are now suspected.

The school took the decision to close its doors following the end of school today after discussions with anxious parents and staff, despite previous advice from the Health Protection Agency that it was safe to remain open.

Dennis McGarry, headteacher, said: “We have taken the decision to close the school to help allay concerns from parents and members of staff.

“We hope to reduce the anxiety of everyone concerned with the school. We have written to parents letting them know about the closure and included some general advice about what to do if they are in anyway concerned.

“Pupils will be able to access their work and talk to members of staff through the school's website.”

The pupils and staff who displayed possible symptoms are now being tested for the pandemic and are being treated by medics. All have either been sent home or stayed away as a precaution.

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