Update on Precautionary Measures for H1N1

Dear Parents/Guardians

This letter is to update parents on how we are managing the H1N1 situation in our 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 will be adjusting some measures from next week. We will remain vigilant in our efforts to slow down the spread of the H1N1 within the school community.

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

We will continue to educate our students to maintain high standards of personal hygiene and exercise social responsibility. Schools will continue to keep their premises clean. We will also continue to track students with MCs to reduce the risk of a spread of flu-like illnesses within the school community. As such, should your child be issued an MC by a doctor, please inform the school immediately and submit the MC to the school as soon as possible.

Before your child leaves for school, you can take his/her temperature and look out for any flu-like symptoms. If your child is unwell, we seek your cooperation to exercise social responsibility by seeking medical attention for your child and ensuring that your child is well before returning to school. If anyone is unwell at home, you can offer a mask to the unwell person and minimise his/her contact with your child. Please reinforce our reminders on personal hygiene and encourage your child to practise good personal hygiene at home.

We seek your understanding and cooperation in our efforts to implement these measures. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep staff, parents and students updated on new developments.

Should you have any queries, please contact your child’s school.