Job Discussion Forums

[hamergirl]

My neighbor, who's a fifth grader at Al Dhafra, just told me that 7 out of the 24 students in her class are out with the swine flu. Anyone heard anything?

[Neil McBeath]

For what it's worth, the most recent figures from Oman report just over 2300 cases for the entire country.

It strikes me that 7 out of 24 in ONE CLASS is unlikely.

[hamergirl]

I agree it's way high, that's over 30% of the class. I like to think that it's rumors, ( and that's what I think it probably is in this case) BUT we all know how the private schools work here and it really wouldn't surprise me if the private schools were supressing numbers out of fear that parents would pull students. No one wants to be the first private school to have to close its doors.

[Neil McBeath]

I think it is almost certainly rumour.

Last week I was told a definite fact about my own university which I know is 100% completely incorrect.

I think the problem may be that the UAE has been les open than Oman about the reported incidences of the illness. In the private schools here, some children have been ill, have recovered and have gone back.

[Sunburnt Individual]

There was one boy in grade 8 with a confirmed case. That was it but all the parents who heard about it freaked out, hence the mass absences.

[Cuffs]

[ardiles81]

Nothing to worry about this swine flu nonsense as it's only pesky pig product consuming foreigners who deservedly get it...so my wise students inform me.

[johnslat]

Dear ardiles81,

And darn well serves them right - the infidels.

Regards,
John