7-Day Leave Of Absence (LOA) For Students Returning From H1N1 Affected Countries
Dear Parents/Guardians
As part of measures to reduce the risk of Influenza A (H1N1) among students when school reopens on 29 June, the Ministry of Education (MOE) will issue Leave of Absence (LOA) to all school staff and students returning from affected countries1 on and after 22 Jun, so that they do not attend school activities for seven calendar days upon their return to Singapore. This will reduce the risk of H1N1 spreading within the school community and in Singapore when school reopens. Students on LOA will be given home-based learning packages by their teachers.
In addition to LOA for affected students, schools will also implement other precautionary measures. Stations will be set up at school gates to screen students and staff when they come to school. Schools will advise those who have returned from an affected country on or after 22 Jun, but have somehow missed the earlier notification, that they are on LOA and should go home. Students and staff who are unwell will also be asked to go home. Schools will also institute twice-daily temperature taking, and closely monitor students. In addition, school assemblies will be suspended and CCAs scaled down during the first week after school reopens in order to minimise congregation of school staff and students. Recess will also be staggered. There will also be tighter school security. All visitors will be screened for travel history and temperature taking before they can enter our school.
The additional measures are part of the precautionary measures that our schools have already implemented to prevent the spread of the virus among staff and students. Schools will continue to maintain cleanliness of their premises, remind students of the importance of personal hygiene and monitor students for signs that they may be unwell.
We seek your cooperation and understanding in your child’s school’s efforts to implement these measures. Let us work together to keep our schools open, and safeguard the health of our students. In the event that your child registers a fever during his/her daily temperature check, we seek your understanding to bring him/her home to rest. Please also encourage your child to practise good hygiene at home. With your support, we hope that every child can develop such good habits that will last them through life.
Our students’ safety is of utmost concern to us. MOE is in close consultation with MOH and will activate other appropriate measures should there be a need to. We will continue to keep you updated of new developments.
Please contact your child’s school if you need any clarification. The Principal and teachers will be happy to assist you.
Footnotes:
As of 23 Jun, affected countries are Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Dominican Republic, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Philippines, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States of America. Parents are advised to refer to the MOH website (http://www.moh/gov.sg) on Mon 29 Jun for updates. ↵