FOUR kindergartens are known to be closed this week - one because of a confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) case, and the other three, as a precaution.

Ascension Kindergarten, in Francis Thomas Drive near Potong Pasir, has a teacher who tested H1N1 positive on Tuesday. The Ministry of Education (MOE) said she was at a staff meeting the day before, so colleagues with her have been given leave of absence. Shut yesterday, it will re-open on July 13.

The other pre-schools which have closed are Aces Montessori Kidz Kindergarten, United Education Kindergarten and RiverLife Kindergarten.

Aces Montessori's director Janette Chong said the school will be closed for a week to ensure that it is a 'safe environment for all'. The Pasir Ris pre-school will re-open on Tuesday.

MOE said United Education Kindergarten was to be closed for the month, not only for cleaning but also for renovation. RiverLife Kindergarten is part of RiverLife Church, which had a cluster of 10 cases last week.

LEOW SI WAN

This article was first published in The Straits Times.