The tragic death of IS 238 Assistant Principal Mitchell Wiener from swine flu should not be taken lightly. It is time for the city Education and Health departments to tackle the spread of this illness by immediately closing all city public and parochial schools in order to disinfect them.
While this will pose a hardship for many parents, they should already have alternate plans for child care for their children. Looking at each school on a case by case basis needs to be changed. While those with the exception of Wiener have experienced mild symptoms and recovered, his tragic death is one death too many.
Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife, sons and the rest of his family. You are in the thoughts and prayers of all New Yorkers.
John Amato
Fresh Meadows
