Obama: Consider Closing Flu-Case Schools

President Obama said today that US schools with confirmed cases of swine flu should consider closing. "This is obviously a serious situation," Obama said, that "we are closely and continuously monitoring." He said it is the recommendation of public-health officials that authorities at schools with confirmed or suspected cases of swine flu "should strongly consider temporarily closing so that we can be as safe as possible."

The president advised parents to get ready for such disruptions. "If the situation becomes more serious and we have to take more extensive steps, then parents should also think about contingencies if schools in their areas do temporarily shut down," Obama said. He also conveyed his thoughts and prayers for the family of the 23-month-old child in Texas who became the nation's first reported death. (More President Obama stories.)