Belarusian officials have temporarily closed schools in the country over fears of the rapid spread of the H1N1 flu virus.

“Latest figures have revealed that some 102 confirmed cases of swine flu have been detected in Belarus. The virus claimed the lives of 20 people,” the country's Deputy Minister of Health Care said.

“Belarus closed the nation's schools to avoid the spread of flu. The closure will continue until next week,” Valentina Kachan said.

Urging Belarusian citizens not to panic, Kachan announced a state of emergency at the country's border with its southern neighbor Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Health Ministry said on Monday 255,000 flu cases had been registered in the country, with some 15,000 people receiving treatment in hospital.

NAT/SC/DT