Dr. Hoffman's H1N1 (swine flu) update
Superintendent Dr. James Hoffman shares the following update on the
H1N1 virus:
As we prepare for the 2009-2010 school year, one of the concerns we
are addressing is how we respond when students contract the H1N1
virus, otherwise known as “swine flu.” We will follow guidelines
given to us by the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC).
The CDC recommends (view
the plan) that school NOT be closed if relatively few cases are
found. Rather, they recommend that we deal with cases promptly,
carefully, and with caution. That will be our direction this year on
this topic.
Steps will take place include:
-
Encourage students to wash hands frequently and
thoroughly;
-
Send students with flu-like symptoms to the
nurse immediately;
-
Use masks on students exhibiting symptoms until
they are sent home;
-
Ensure common areas (classrooms, cafeterias,
media centers, locker rooms) are cleaned thoroughly on a regular
basis;
-
Above all, encourage parents to keep ill
students home.
According to the CDC, these actions will be
sufficient to protect students from an unchecked spread of the H1N1
virus. Obviously, if the situation changes, and large numbers of
students are ill, we will re-examine our processes, and respond
accordingly. We also want to hear from you if you have any
information that you feel would be helpful to us in helping us keep
our children safe. Learn more about
H1N1 and the latest information on the
H1N1 vaccine. You can find more information at the
New York Statewide Health Services Center.
