City Authorities Decide Against General Closing

• The influenza situation in Buffalo is not currently bad enough to consider public-place closings, according to the health department. However, if the illness spreads then closings may occur. • More than 300 cases of influenza and pneumonia have been reported to health officials. On Saturday 88 cases were reported, and this was a significant increase over other days since October 1.• A meeting of health authorities with representatives of the theater-, industrial-, church-, and other communities decided that a one-week educational campaign should occur to encourage people toward a voluntary quarantine.• The article describes hesitance to close public schools because of the effect on students and the role of streetcars in spreading illnesses. Mayor Buck and Major Bowrigg of Fort Porter discussed this issue. Other speakers discussed the effect of the streetcar strike and resultant exercise on illness. Other issues addressed at the meeting were whether or not store hours should be limited and if street cars should be allowed to run.• Dr. Franklin C. Gram discussed the cause of influenza, it rate of development in Buffalo, and cited an example of half of the students in a school being absent with ‘flu.• Gram reported case numbers related to the spread on influenza, as: October 1, 31 cases; October 2, 56 cases; October 3, 29 cases; October 4, 43 cases; October 5, 21 cases; and October 6, 88 cases. There have been few deaths, but Dr. Gram explained that the death rate increases 1-3 weeks after the beginning of a ‘flu outbreak.• Dr. Gram reported that the health department has received many requests from parents whose children attend boarding schools and colleges that have been closed. These parents desire permission to bring their children home. Dr. Gram indicated that if a child has not developed influenza or been exposed then permission is granted.• Physicians must report cases of influenza to the health department. The department has also published funeral policies for influenza-related deaths. Other cities have requested aid from Buffalo doctors and nurses, but Dr. Gram has consistently denied these requests because the city may need these professionals at any time. North Tonawanda, Lackawanna, and other communities are watching Buffalo’s actions and intend to duplicate them.Newspaper article