By Miriam Ahmed and Michael Morris

Filled with paintings, portraits, and photographs, The Langley Gallery is now more than just a pleasant corner. It’s actually a curtain, shielding “The Separation Room,” a sealed-in area for quarantined students to reside.

Not many are aware that this room exists- and there is a reason for that. A black screen covers the inside, and the door is locked to forbid entry. “Ideally, we try to take students over when the halls are empty to ensure that no germs are spread,” remarked Pat Nader, Langley Public Health nurse.

This room is designed to prevent the spread of illness, especially now that the flu season is at its peak. With the H1N1 now a potential threat, this room serves to protect other students from the sickness. “It’s good for everyone’s protection, especially when schools are closing because of swine flu,” commented junior Tyler Planto. Every Fairfax County School has created a similar designated area.

 While students occupy the room, staff supervises the premises. However, they remain outside to avoid the illnesses. More than one student can be in the room at a time. Residents inside, however, must wear a mask while they wait. “It usually is not a problem if more than one student is in the room because of the masks we provide that are to be worn, and usually people are sent there for just 15-20 minutes- the passing time that they wait for their parents to come pick them up,” elaborated Mrs. Nader.

 “We are urging students to wash their hands for 30 seconds and cough/sneeze in their elbows to ensure germs will not be spread through direct contact,” said Mrs. Nader. It is necessary for students to know of these potential threats. As the hysteria decreases, the number of cases increases with no warning.