SCHOOLS and colleges in Hounslow were placed on alert last week, with at least two children barred from returning to lessons after visiting countries affected by the killer virus SARS, during their Easter break.

The deadly infection which typically starts with fever and flu-like symptoms, has claimed the lives of 293 people world-wide and infected 4,836, according to the latest figures.

Six people in the UK have so far been confirmed to have had the virus, with no fatalities. SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) first appeared in the Guangdong Province in China, spreading mainly to Beijing, Hong Kong and Canada.

Louise Wall, Headteacher at the independent school, The Falcons, Burnaby Gardens, Chiswick, said they were taking no chances: We sent a letter to all the parents asking if they'd been to any of the areas affected. The parents have been very supportive, and one or two children will stay away for another week or so.''

Children who had not travelled to the at risk' countries, returned on Thursday (April 24th).

All pupils at the Orchard House School, Newton Grove, Chiswick, returned on Wednesday, with none having travelled to the danger zones during their break.

Headmistress, Sally Hobbs, said all precautions had been taken: It's something we take extremely seriously and it's important we respond to any risk immediately.''

Following advice from the Department of Health, signs were posted up asking where children had travelled, and letters were distributed to parents.

Students at Brunel University which has campuses in St Margrets and Isleworth return to studies next week. It's estimated that around 250 of them have homes in countries battling to contain the virus.

They will only be banned from returning if they display any of the symptoms of the disease according to a spokesperson for the university, who commented: Some 250 students are domiciled in areas currently affected by SARS.

Those resident off campus will receive a separate mailing about the symptoms of the disease and the action to be taken if they have been in an affected zone within the past ten days and if they have symptoms.''

Notices are also being displayed around the campuses and halls of residence, and staff are being banned from travelling to infected areas on university business.

A spokesperson for the council said schools around the borough were also sent notices alerting teachers and heads of all the information the Department of Health had put out.'' She added that the risks were very, very low''.

Hospitals and GP surgeries were also on alert and health workers were told to keep an eye out for anyone showing symptoms of the disease.

A spokesperson for West Middlesex Hospital said they were following national guidelines, but were taking no special precautions because of their close proximity to Heathrow.

May 1, 2003 16:00