Clarence High School in Richards Town Moves Classes Online Amid Flu Spike

Clarence High School in Richards Town, Bengaluru, suspended regular offline classes from August 14 to August 18 after more than 500 students reported seasonal flu-like illnesses and two staff members tested positive for H1N1. The institution transitioned several grades to online instruction following the surge in sickness.

In a letter addressed to civic authorities, Commodore Prem Reuben, Administrator of Clarence High School, stated that over 500 students—representing roughly 20% of the 2,500-strong student body—and 21 staff members were absent with symptoms including fever, cold, cough, and body ache. The school initially closed on August 12 as a precautionary step before deciding to keep physical classes closed between August 14 and August 18. One staff member underwent treatment at Bangalore Baptist Hospital.

On August 18, school authorities partially resumed operations. A school representative confirmed that the Montessori section remained closed, while students in classes 1 to 5 returned to in-person classes as conditions improved. Students in classes 6 to 10 continued with online learning. The administration cited weather changes and common colds as the primary cause, while also expressing concern over unhygienic conditions and street vendors operating near the campus.

Health authorities, however, dismissed the connection between street vendors and the illnesses. Dr. Siddapaji Gowda, Health Officer for GBA Bengaluru North, stated that the issue was an airborne, contagious common cold rather than an outbreak caused by outside food. He added that civic authorities would remove vendors from footpaths under the Safe Footpath campaign to ensure junk food is not sold within a 50-metre radius of the school.

Gurudatta Hegde, Commissioner of the Health and Family Welfare Department, clarified that no students had tested positive for H1N1 and noted that high absence figures were largely driven by panic. He confirmed that the two infected staff members were recovering and instructed officials to test any symptomatic children at primary and urban primary health centres.