States stand up to swine flu test

Swine flu outbreak gives big test to states' flu plans

The last two weeks have shown that the states can handle the flu for the most part. However, officials now anticipate tweaking their plans, which were initially developed to deal with the avian flu.

On Tuesday, the federal CDC advised schools to stay open even if one or more of their students had been diagnosed with swine flu. That’s a reversal from its earlier stance, when it suggested schools close for at least a week to prevent the illness from spreading. Richard Besser, acting director of the CDC, said the agency changed course when it became clear that swine flu appeared far less dangerous than scientists originally feared.

State policies regarding who decides whether to shut schools vary by state, although it’s largely up to school officials. It's worth noting that other large gathering spots have not been closed thus far.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Key legislation still undecided with four days left of legislature

ARKANSAS: State Senator Blanche Lincoln pushes for tax cut package

FLORIDA: Property tax debate is on again in legislature

GEORGIA: Tax-dodging lawmakers won't be able to hide anymore

KENTUCKY: Coal industry tax increase is a tough sell in the legislature

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal's 'transparency' bill too secretive, says good government group

MISSISSIPPI: Lawmakers to work on state spending plan today

NORTH CAROLINA: Bill to ease rules on legal notices finds opposition from newspaper publishers

SOUTH CAROLINA: State Supreme Court temporarily halts foreclosures

TENNESSEE: Gov. Bredesen launches state government transparency Web site

VIRGINIA: 8.3 million Virginia government patient records held hostage for $10 million

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