Education and health officials have played down fears over the swine flu outbreak. Schools across the country have registered cases, and local agencies have confirmed they are working closely to minimise the impact. A spokesman for Gloucestershire CC said: ‘In line with government guidance, schools closures are not necessary as we move from containment to treatment. Closing schools at this stage will not stop the virus spreading. ‘It is already present within our communities, and people are being exposed to the virus as they go about their everyday lives. Precautions such as school closures are no longer effective at this point in time.' But a Treasury official highlighted government concern: ‘The risk is that it becomes a more serious pandemic and this reduces economic activity.'