THE Government has changed its approach to swine flu after saying the virus could no longer be contained.

Health secretary Andy Burnham said yesterday the number of swine flu cases could reach more than 100,000 per day by the end of August.

In Essex, the number of confirmed cases has reached 36 and across the east of England there were 45 new cases bringing the total to 371. One month ago, there were just 20 cases in the region.

There are now 7,447 confirmed cases in the UK and there have been three deaths.

Mr Burnham said: “There are now on average several hundred new cases every day. Our efforts during the containment phase have given us time to learn more about the virus. We have always known it would be impossible to contain the virus indefinitely and at some point we would need to move away from containment to treatment.”

By containing the illness, people with swine flu have their diagnosis confirmed by lab reports. They and anyone who has come into contact with them are given the antiviral drug Tamiflu.

By moving to the treatment phase, efforts to trace people who have been in contact with swine flu cases will stop and treating people as a precaution with antivirals stops. Schools will not need to close when hit by the virus, unless particular circumstances, such as shortage of teachers make it necessary.

The FitzWimarc School, in Rayleigh, has not closed, despite two female teachers, who are housemates, being confirmed with the virus. No more cases are suspected at the school among staff or pupils.

The school has stocked up on anti-bacterial surface wipes and alcohol hand gels to reinforce the hygiene message.

Headteacher Jim Fuller said: “The two teachers have not been in school for seven days and I have had regular contact with and advice from the Health Protection Agency, which said the incubation period is two to five days, so we don’t expect any further cases linked to this source.

“We acted quickly when we found out about the diagnosis on Saturday and sent letters to parents on Monday. The vast majority of pupils and parents remain calm, but I do understand parents’ anxiety. If they are worried about their child or for a vulnerable family member then they should seek medical advice.”

Gable Hall School, in Corringham, and Chafford Hundred Campus, both in Thurrock, have also remained open despite suspected cases of swine flu in five pupils.

The last school to close in Essex was Castle View School, on Canvey, back in May.

The HPA says patients will be assessed by NHS Direct or their GP and depending on their symptoms given antiviral medication.