The district has cancelled school for Monday, May 4, Hugh Gray, school district spokesman announced this afternoon.

"We are making the decision at this time to allow families to make necessary arrangements," says Gray. "We ask that families be attentive for further updates."

A decision about extending the closure into the week will be made Monday afternoon.

The district asks parents to discuss good hygiene techniques like hand washing and coughing in their sleeve with their children.

They also ask parents to watch for flu-like symptoms such as headaches, body aches and fevers that exceed 100 degrees.

Other recent influenza A (H1N1) data:

Adding to the confirmed 13 cases statewide, which are all associated with the Newberry cluster, Newberry County Memorial Hospital relays the following swine flu totals:

-9 probable, which are being tested by DHEC/CDC
-57 suspect cases


-21 investigations in progress

-51 individuals with symptoms in voluntary isolation

-127 in close contact with individuals with symptoms are in voluntary quarantined at home

The local DHEC office is checking on these individuals by phone.

For a map on DHEC data, visit www.scdhec.gov/flu/CR-009491.gif

At NCMH, there is limited access for visitors with the exception of the ER, front lobby and cafeteria (during lunch only). A front lobby staff member interviews each visitor, ensuring the visit is appropriate.

NCMH will receive additional Tamiflu to distribute through the ER, only if the patient meets the following criteria:

-from Newberry County

-symptomatic for the flu

-tested positive on the Rapid Flu test for Type A

-physician prescription (provided by the ER physician)

- indigent