Mexican officials closed all schools Friday in the capital city in an effort to combat the swine flu virus that has killed dozens in Mexico and infected eight people in the United States. Authorities also closed schools in Mexico in an effort to quell the virus, which has killed at least 68 people in the country, according to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico. Other public institutions, including museums and government offices, were also closed in Mexico City, CNN reported. Mexican soldiers distributed surgical masks to pedestrians and motorists in downtown Mexico City on Friday, according to state-run media. President Felipe Calderon canceled a scheduled trip to the northern state of Chihuahua and stayed in Mexico City to address concerns on the virus. "We know the seriousness of the problem," Calderon said. " I know that we will be able to solve this. This is our obligation." More than 1,000 people have fallen ill in Mexico City in a short period of time, U.S. health experts said.
