Swine Flu Update
18 Jun 2009 | Swine Flu Update
ADVICE TO PARENTS ON (INFLUENZA H1N1) SWINE FLU
The Federal Minister for Health, Nicola Roxon has announced that Australia has developed a new response phase called PROTECT to manage the Swine Flu outbreak. PROTECT recognises that the infection with H1N1 Influenza 09 is not as severe as originally envisaged. The disease is mild in most cases, sever in some and moderate overall.
Effective immediately:
- Partial or full individual school closures are no longer recommended
- The previous advice to voluntarily exclude for a period of 7 days, students and staff who have travelled to affected countries or Victoria, is no longer appropriate
To limit school-based transmission:
- Children and staff who have influenza-like-illness should not attend school until they are well. Parents are asked not to send their child to school if they have influenza-like-illness, defined as fever and one or more symptoms including cough, sore throat, runny nose or nasal congestion. The student should stay away from school until they are completely recovered.
- Reinforce hygiene. Wash hands frequently. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose. Avoid contact with people who are unwell.
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10 JUNE 2009 | Swine Flu Update
Parents may be aware students from Guildford Grammar School competed in sport against Scotch College on Thursday 4 June, Friday 5 June and Saturday 6 June at the Preparatory, Year 8/9 and Year 10/11/12 levels respectively. There have been confirmed cases of Swine Flu amongst students in Years 5 – 7 at Scotch College.
Parents are encouraged to monitor children for signs of respiratory illness (fever AND one or more of runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat or cough).
Telephone your doctor (GP) or healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222 for further advice if:
- You have become unwell with a flu-like illness AND you have returned from a high-risk country (such as Mexico, the United States, Canada, Japan or Panama) or Victoria in the previous seven days
OR
- You have become unwell with a flu-like illness AND you have been in contact with a person who has human swine flu
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5 JUNE 2009 | Swine Flu Update
Further to the information mailed to you on 26 May 2009 regarding H1N1 (Swine Flu), please now note the following:
- Effective Thursday 4 June 2009, students and staff who have returned to Western Australia from Victoria will be considered in the same way as people who have returned from the five countries of concern (Mexico, USA, Canada, Japan and Panama).
- The seven day exclusion period will now only apply where the student or staff member has travelled to Victoria or a country of concern. The exclusion does not apply to a child whose parent, relative or other close contact has returned from Victoria or a country of concern.
- The School will update relevant information of H1N1 (Swine Flu) each day on the School Web Site, www.ggs.wa.edu.au
- If you have concerns or queries about H1N1 (Swine Flu) and the School’s response please telephone the Medical Centre 93779211
- The School is being vigilant and proactive with respect to this issue by providing:
- Regular updates through our web site and mail
- Anti bacterial hand wash and tissues in strategic locations
- Constant communication with the Health Department, AISWA and the Department of Education and Training.
For further information, please visit the Department of Health website
www.health.wa.gov.au or call the Influenza Hotline 180 2007
Yours sincerely
Robert Zordan
Headmaster
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26 MAY 2009 | Swine Flu Update
Dear Parent/Guardian
You will have seen media reports today about the first confirmed case in Western Australia of swine flu. The man has been identified as a 30-year-old father of eight children living in Bedford. The Department of Health has advised that the children came into contact with their father on Saturday and are not attending school this week.
New measures are now in place across Australia to reduce the transmission of the virus within schools. Health experts advising the Australian Government have recommended a period of exclusion from school following international travel to affected countries.
Consequently, I am asking parents to follow this advice in the interests of the school community.
The five countries of concern are the Mexico, the United States, Canada, Japan and Panama. If someone in your family or someone who is living with you has recently returned or arrived from these countries, I would ask you to not send your children to school for a period of seven days. This applies even if there are no signs of influenza or ill health.
Please advise the school office if this applies to your family.
This exclusion period applies to overseas students coming to visit on exchange from any of the above countries.
Please note that the seven day exclusion does not apply to students who were transit passengers passing through any of the above countries for less than 24 hours.
The WA Health Minister has stated that schools may be closed or partially closed in the event of a confirmed case of swine flu for a student or member of staff. It is hoped that the precautionary measures of voluntary exclusion for a period of seven days will avert a school closure or partial closure.
Health authorities have also advised that children with signs of respiratory illness (fever, coughs or runny nose) should not attend school. I urge you to take notice of such advice.
This applies equally to day boys and boarders.
Other measures that we take are to maintain good general health and hygiene practices: encouraging coughing etiquette, proper hand washing routines and disposal of tissues.
For further information about swine flu generally, please call the Influenza Hotline on 180 2007 or visit the Department of Health website www.health.wa.gov.au. The list of countries of concern can be found on the Department of Health and Ageing website www.healthemergency.gov.au.
Thank you for your cooperation. Working together with these precautionary measures will assist us to prevent the spread of this virus.
Robert Zordan
HEADMASTER
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