Clarence High School Partially Reopens After 500+ Fall Ill

Clarence High School in Bengaluru's Richards Town has partially reopened after closing its campus due to a severe seasonal flu-like illness that affected more than 500 students and 21 staff members. The school initially shut down as a precautionary measure, with classes moving online, after at least two staff members tested positive for H1N1 influenza.

The outbreak prompted school administrator Commodore Prem Reuben to write to civic authorities on August 14, describing a "growing health crisis." In the letter, Reuben stated that over 500 students and 21 staff were absent with symptoms including fever, cold, cough, and body aches. He confirmed two H1N1 cases among staff, with one member receiving treatment at Bangalore Baptist Hospital. The school first closed on August 12 and then extended the closure from August 14 to 18.

As of August 18, the school has begun a phased reopening. A representative of the school administration stated that Montessori classes remain closed, while students in classes 1 through 5 have returned for in-person instruction. However, students in classes 6 through 10 continue with online learning. The administration characterized the situation as a common...