Schools close as garbage fires continue

Classes were suspended Friday, March 22, in five schools close to Cerro Patacón where the garbage site fire entered its fourth day.

A large  pall of smoke from the fire which started on Tuesday,  continues to cover several areas of the capital. 

Deputy Minister of Education, Mirna de Crespo, said on TVN News that the class suspension applies to William Paterson,  Guna Nega, Fermín Naudeau Institute, American Institute and Octavio Méndez Pereira.
Crespo said that several students in Naudeau Fermin reported respiratory s and skin. Problems on Wednesday and the Ministry of Education will monitor the standards specified by the health authorities and the National System of Civil Protection before the resumption of classes.
Algis Torres, regional director of the Ministry of Health (MoH) of San Miguelito, said health personnel will again visit the Mocambo sector, to evaluate this population close to the fire.
On Thursday, the National Emergency Operations Center was activated and the MoH has advised people to avoid, where possible, exposure to smoke.
If affected by smoke, the MoH recommends seeking immediate assistance at a nearby health center, especially children or seniors who are often the most vulnerable