Doha College texted me with this stupid decision. If the ministries were striving to show incompetence in both children's education and public health, they've done a good job.

1. Swine flu is about as dangerous as seasonal flu, which doesn't affect school opening.

2. Several schools were open before Eid, including Doha College. How does delaying their reopening protect anyone?

3. Flu shots aren't going to appear any time soon. Why would delaying school opening by a week prevent the spread of infection?

4. Is the proposed vaccination campaign designed to protect those who receive the vaccine, or to protect the wider population through herd immunity?

5. Are flu shots going to be compulsory for children? If the aim is personal safety, why not let the parents decide?

6. Are all labourers to be offered flu shots? If the aim is herd immunity, why not offer the vaccine to everyone?

7. Is it likely that the official panic and heavy-handed response will prevent parents from taking children with coughs to their doctors?