Baltimore, MD (May 5, 2009) – Maryland schools that have closed due to the reporting of a probable or confirmed case of H1N1 influenza will reopen beginning Wednesday, May 6. That is the decision of Governor Martin O’Malley based on the recommendation of Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene  (DHMH) Secretary John M. Colmers and new Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.  

“Based on revised guidance from CDC, we are announcing that it is no longer necessary to close schools or keep schools closed as a result of the H1N1 flu outbreak,” said DHMH Secretary John M Colmers. “A copy of the revised guidance from CDC is posted on our website www.Maryland.gov.  We have conveyed that message to the local health departments in those jurisdictions with closed schools.”  

The new guidelines were announced this afternoon by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and CDC based on the scientific review of the evidence which shows that most cases of H1N1 flu in the United States have not been severe and are comparable in severity to seasonal influenza 

 “Although area schools will reopen, we encourage students, staff and faculty with influenza-like illness to follow the CDC guidelines and remain at home for at least seven days and only go out when seeking medical attention, ” says Frances Phillips, DHMH Deputy Secretary for Public Health.  

The Maryland State Public Laboratory is reporting four new probable cases. 

• 2 school-age children in  Prince George’s County
• A school-age child in Montgomery County
• An adult in Montgomery County

Tips to help avoid infection: 

• Wash your hands often, especially after coughing, sneezing, and wiping or blowing the nose.

• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.

• Use paper tissues when wiping or blowing your nose; throw tissues away after use.

• Stay away from crowded living and sleeping spaces, if possible.

• If you have flu symptoms, stay home and avoid contact with other people to protect them from catching your illness.