First Note to Parents/Guardians on Influenza A (H1N1)

Dear Parents/Guardians,

There have been media reports on the global Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak and Singapore moving into the Orange alert level. The symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1) in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal influenza. An early symptom is high fever, which is followed by cough, sore throat, runny nose, and sometimes breathlessness a few days later.

As of 2 May, there are no human cases of Influenza A (H1N1) reported in Singapore. However, this is a rapidly evolving situation, and there is a real possibility that such cases may surface in Singapore. MOE and schools are actively monitoring the situation and have been working closely with the Ministry of Health (MOH) for guidance in this situation.

It is important to be vigilant and alert to this situation, but also to be calm. Our schools have procedures in place to help prevent the spread of diseases amongst our staff and students. These include good personal hygiene practices, keeping our school premises clean and temperature-taking.

Daily temperature-taking will commence when students return to school on Monday, 4 May 2009. Temperature screening for all staff and visitors to schools will also be instituted. Information on school visitors, including the date and time of visit, personal particulars and contact number of visitors, will be recorded. This is to facilitate contact tracing when the need arises.

MOH has announced that those with a travel history to Mexico over the past seven days will be quarantined for seven days on their return to Singapore and undergo phone surveillance for symptoms for Influenza A (H1N1). In addition, school staff and students who are returning from other affected areas (i.e. the United States and the state of Nova Scotia in Canada as of 2 May), will be required to undergo leave of absence from the school for 7 days.

Here is some basic information on how your children can best protect themselves from flu infection :

• Maintain a high standard of hygiene;
• Wash hands with soap and water before eating and after going to the toilet;
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. It is advisable to cough into a tissue, not into the hands, to avoid the spread of germs on the hands;
• Avoid touching eyes or nose as this can spread infection from hands to the upper respiratory system;
• Do not share eating utensils, towels, etc; and
• If your child is unwell, you should take him/her to see a doctor. He/she should stay at home and avoid contact with others as much as possible.

We will continue to keep you updated of new developments. More information on Influenza A (H1N1) can be found at Flu.gov.sg, the Health Promotion Board website and the Ministry of Health website.

Please contact your child’s school if you need any clarification. The Principal and teachers will be happy to assist you.