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for service in adjoining dining rooms. Similarly, the gravy now
remains in a boiling vat at simmering temperature until distribution
or dished up for service.
"The meat in this instance consisted of legs of lamb with bone,
roasted in a medium oven, indicating thermometer showing 325° F.
approximately."
Dr. Betty Hobbs agreed that the investigations during 1957
confirmed the effectiveness of the precautionary measures which
had been suggested for the storage of sliced meat pending distribution
from a central kitchen to surrounding schools.
Influenza.
In accordance with the general measures suggested by the
Ministry of Health, arrangements were made with the Borough
Education Officer to obtain information in regard to the incidence
in schools.
A letter of advice was drawn up and circulated by the Borough
Education Officer to all Head Teachers. The steps suggested
included the prompt exclusion of all staff and children with early
symptoms, the importance of securing maximum ventilation in all
classrooms, and the avoidance of combining classes, assemblies, etc.
I am indebted to the Borough Education Officer for the
following comparisons:—
The percentage of whole week absences rose from 1.2 at the
beginning of September to 10.9 for the week ending 18th October,
and 14.9 for week ending 25th October, declining to 3.2 for the
week after half term closure, i.e. week ending 8th November, and
rising again to 6.1 for the last week of term, i.e. week ending
20th December.
Over the same periods the average percentage of absences, i.e.,
including short absences, was 8.1 at the beginning of September,
rising to 16.2, 19.5, 21.9 and 19.6 in the four weeks of October,
dropping to 7.8 on resumption after half term closure, and rising
again to 12.3 before the last week of term. On the 22nd October
(the date of maximum incidence) over 30 per cent. of children at
Infants' Departments were absent, 20 per cent. from junior schools
and just under 19 per cent. from secondary schools.
For comparison, the maximum incidence amongst adults
according to sickness benefit claims lodged at the Ministry of
National Insurance was during the fortnight ended the 23rd
October.
No deaths from influenza occurred amongst school-children,
but one child aged five years died of phlegmon of the glottis and
acute streptococcal pneumonitis during the weeking ending 12th
October. This fatality is referred to separately in the report.