HFMD Advisory

MOH, MOE and MCYS have made a joint press release on the current HFMD situation on 13 Aug 2010.

Kindergartens have been advised to step up hygiene measures and implement health screening. They are to ensure:

• daily temperature taking of children and staff;
• daily visual screening of children, staff, vendors and visitors;
• frequent hand washing by children and staff;
• thorough regular cleaning and disinfection of all premises, surfaces and toys, materials and equipment;
• regular ventilation of classrooms;
• hygiene in the pantry;
• regular cleaning and ventilation of school buses;
• all affected children are excluded from class and requested to rest at home until certified medically well;
• children are educated on good hygiene practices; and
• MOH is notified immediately of any suspected or confirmed HFMD cases.

If a child is not feeling well, parents are advised to seek immediate medical attention for the child, keep him away from other children, avoid crowded places and allow him to rest at home. Please refrain from sending a child to school if he has a sibling with HFMD. Parents are strongly advised to maintain high standards of personal hygiene at home, such as:

• Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing: do not sneeze or cough directly at another person.
• Blow and clear nose gently into a piece of tissue paper and dispose the soiled tissue properly.
• Do not spit onto the floor or ground.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Do not rub or touch eyes, nose or mouth before washing hands.
• Wash hands before handling food and drinks.
• Do not share personal items like towels and handkerchiefs with other people.
• Do not share food, drinks, eating utensils and water bottles.

Please click here (32kb .pdf) to assess HPB’s guidelines in identifying HFMD with a 4-point checklist.

Cooperation from kindergartens and parents will prevent disease transmission and also safeguard sick children as they are likely to be more susceptible to acquiring another infection.

For queries, you may contact

• Mdm Felicitas at 6838 7318 or felicitas_j_anthony@moe.edu.sg
• Miss Jenny Goh at 6838 0397 or goh_mei_yee_jenny@moe.edu.sg