A city engineering college, Amritha Institute of Technology (AIT), declared a holiday until August 24 to ward off the pandemic.

“The college has decided to remain closed to forestall a H1N1 influenza outbreak,” said an AIT official.

Seven Christ College students are suffering from symptoms similar to that of H1N1 influenza, but it is yet to be confirmed if they are affected.

Some institutions, including Mount Carmel College, have issued a circular requesting students with flu symptoms or fever to stay at home.

Vacation cut

After closing schools for a week, City schools have decided to make up the school hours lost by cutting short vacations and conducting classes during weekends. National Public School has put out a circular that classes will be held on Saturdays and Sundays. Students have also been asked to produce medical fitness certificate on their return to school.

Schools managements are leaving no stone unturned to keep the flu at bay on their campuses. In addition to the week having at least two public holidays for Krishna Janmashtami and Independence Day, Delhi Public School, South has declared a holiday till Monday next.

The school has set aside one day to sanitise its campus by fumigation. Other schools have barred students from attending classes even if they are down with common cold and fever.