SCHOOLS re-opening today are being asked to do all they can to remain open in the event of a new swine flu outbreak.

Pupils across north Essex went down with swine flu before the start of the summer holidays.

Seven youngsters at Elmstead Primary School had up the virus, as did a teenager at Colne Community School, Brightlingsea.

In both cases, headteachers acted on advice and kept their schools open.

With a wave of fresh cases expected in the coming months, the Health Protection Agency is advising schools to stay open, but leaving the final decision to heads.

The agency’s regional director, Joe Kearney, said the risks were the same whether pupils were at school or home.

He said: “There is no advantage in closing the schools and trying to contain the virus.

“School isn’t the only place people can catch swine flu. However, schoolchildren with swine flu should be kept at home.”

It is estimated 70,000 people in the East of England have had swine flu so far, but officials say ten times as many could get it over the winter.