Extension of Winter Holidays at Schools to Be Discussed

Mariam Jashi, Chair of the Parliamentary Education, Science and Culture Committee said that consultations will be held over the extension of winter holidays at schools due to the increased cases of flu viruses and H1N1 (swine flu) in the country.

“If the Healthcare Ministry confirms that extension of holidays is recommended due to the increased cases of H1N1 virus, we will back the idea,” Jashi said.

Parents of Georgian schoolchildren have requested the extension of winter holidays, which are to end on January 14, naming H1N1 as the main reason.

They took to social media, saying the Education Ministry should postpone the study process until the “dangerous period passes.”

H1N1 has killed at least 10 people in Georgia. Director of the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and Public Health, Amiran Gamkrelidze, noted that the number of virus cases has decreased in January, noting there were 277 cases in late December while now there are 256 cases of influenza in the country.

Patients will be able to consult family doctors any time immediately after noting flu symptoms, in five primary healthcare facilities which work 24/7. They are:

1. Med capital Gldani Ltd., Vekua N 18;
2. Med capital Saburtalo Ltd., Gamrekeli N 19;
3. National Training Center of Family Medicine, Tsinamdzghvrishvili str. 57.;
4. Medsi Ltd (Vere-21), Kiacheli N 18;
5. Med capital Samgori, Moscow Avenue 4.

By Thea Morrison

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