BOARDERS at a Lancaster School missed out on their Easter break following fears the deadly SARS' virus could be spread through the 960-pupil school.

Lancaster Royal Grammar School head teacher Andy Jarman says six senior pupils with Far East connections stayed in the UK over the holidays to ensure they did not pick up the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome bug.

One junior boy who went home to the Philippines a relatively low risk country has returned to school safe but is being monitored twice a day.

"It is really difficult with their family on other side of the planet and not going home but we took the pragmatic view at the time. The question is what will happen if the situation continues into the summer? Two weeks is not so bad but seven weeks is a different matter," says Mr Jarman.

Meanwhile Lancaster University authorities are receiving up-to-date Health Protection Agency advice on SARS. And the message to local people is - don't panic.

The university attracts students and staff from across the globe and has strong links with both China and Canada the countries hardest hit by the outbreak of SARS.

Lancaster University says it has been advised that quarantining is not necessary and the campus does not pose an increased risk of contracting SARS.

Information has been provided to all staff and students about symptoms of the virus and what they should do if anyone shows signs of SARS.

"The Health Protection Agency is aware that Lancaster University is an international campus and has students who are from countries affected, but does not see this as increased risk for staff and students," says a spokesman.

She told the Citizen the university is advising people planning to travel to monitor the situation through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.

May 1, 2003 09:00