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Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs) on H1N1: Stepping Down Precautionary Measures in Schools

General

  1. Why are control measures being stepped down in schools?

    According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), the current flu strain is mild, except for complications among some high risk patients. The influenza surveillance data suggest that H1N1 prevalence should peak within a week or two before transmission slows down. Hence, control measures are gradually being stepped down in various sectors. In alignment with MOH’s approach, the Ministry of Education has reviewed the precautionary measures for H1N1 in schools and has adjusted some measures from 27 July. Schools will remain vigilant in their efforts to slow down the spread of the H1N1 within the school community.

  2. What measures are in place to protect the well-being of the student population?

    Schools will continue to remain vigilant to slow the spread of the virus in our schools.

    Schools will continue to visually screen students, staff and visitors for fever and flu-like symptoms. From 27 July 2009, schools will conduct temperature taking once a day for students and staff. From 3 August 2009, temperature taking will be conducted twice a week. Daily assemblies will also resume from 3 August 2009. However, schools will continue to assess the need for mass activities and adopt the necessary precautionary measures for these activities.

    Schools will continue to keep their premises clean and continue to track students with Medical Certificates (MCs) to reduce the risk of a spread of flu-like illnesses within the school community. They will also continue to educate students to maintain high standards of personal hygiene and exercise social responsibility.

  3. How are schools monitoring the H1N1 situation since not all students with influenza-like illness may be tested for H1N1?

    MOH has revised its approach in tracking H1N1 cases, testing suspected cases only when there is a clinical indication (eg severely ill patients). For patients with influenza-like illness who do not require hospitalisation and are not likely to be tested for H1N1, doctors will issue MCsof up to 7 days for staff and students above 12 years old, and up to 10 days for children 12 years and below from onset of symptoms.

    It has been an on-going practice for students and staff to submit their MCs to schools. In view of MOH’s revised approach, schools are closely monitoring the number of students and staff with MCs due to influenza-like illnesses.

    In the event that a significant number of students in a class are issued MCs due to influenza-like illnesses, the school would consider taking precautionary measures, such as segregating the class into groups or temporarily suspending lessons for the class. The students will be provided with home-based learning lessons or attend make-up lessons when they return to school.

    MOE will continue to monitor the situation closely and review measures as the situation develops, in consultation with the Ministry of Health.

Examination Matters

  1. What will happen to candidates who have influenza-like illnesses during their examinations? What are the precautionary measures in place for candidates taking examinations?

    Candidates who are suffering from influenza-like illnesses are allowed to take the examinations. As a precautionary measure, schools will arrange for candidates who are on influenza-like illness medical leave or exhibit influenza-like symptoms (fever, runny nose, sore throat or cough) to take their examinations in separate examination rooms. In these separate examination rooms, both candidates and invigilators will be required to wear surgical masks. Candidates will be seated at least 2.5 m apart.

  2. What will happen to candidates who are diagnosed with H1N1 during their examinations?

    Candidates who are diagnosed with H1N1 should seek medical advice on whether they are fit to take the examinations. Those who are diagnosed to have H1N1 and are certified fit to take the examinations will do so in designated examination centres.

    Students who have H1N1 and are hospitalised or certified unfit to take the examinations will be exempted from taking the examinations. These students will be given special consideration as per current practice when students fall sick during the national examinations, or are unable to sit for the national examinations for various reasons.

    For the PSLE and ‘N’ Level Oral examinations, affected candidates can take make-up oral examinations at a later date.

  3. How about candidates with other communicable diseases, e.g. chicken pox or hand-foot-mouth disease?

    Candidates with other communicable diseases such as chicken pox or hand-foot-mouth disease and have been certified fit by their doctors to sit for examinations will do so at designated examination centres.

  4. Can candidates take their examinations in hospitals?

    Candidates who are hospitalised for physical injuries such as those resulting from accidents can take their examinations in hospitals, if their doctors have certified them fit to do so.

  5. What happens if there is a need to cancel national examinations due to the escalating flu pandemic?

    At this point, there is no plan to postpone or cancel examinations.

  6. How are private candidates taking their examinations and what precautionary measures are in place for them?

    Private candidates will take their examinations at designated examination centres. As an additional precautionary measure, centres will arrange for candidates who are unwell with influenza-like illnesses to take their examinations in separate examination rooms.