'No handshakes or any kind of physical contacts which could spread swine flu among the children, the most vulnerable section... Stick to the good old Indian traditions of 'namaste' in these difficult times,' a school principal, sporting a face mask herself, told media persons.

She said teachers have also been told to keep a strict watch on any student displaying even the most minor flu-like symptoms and immediately alert the school authorities.

The first swine flu cases had spread among the students of a local school and the first victim was a school girl, Reeda Shaikh.