Response

During the influenza season for 2009-2010 school response will may be critical within our community.  During this time the health department will work closely with schools to enhance response efforts. 

Schools should consider the School Checklist document for suggested response activities to consider during a pandemic which include:

· Develop a plan for addressing the CDC guidance for schools.  (See guidance documents for details)

· Ensure education is taking place with students, staff, and families on the importance of handwashing and cough etiquette to reduce the spread of influenza.

· Ensure communication plans and strategies for notifying and informing students and their families are in place.  The local health department will rely heavily upon school communication channels to help inform the public during a pandemic.

· Ensure effective surveillance activities are in place and being utilized by staff to enhance reporting efforts to the local health department.  This also includes active screening of students for fever and other flu symptoms.

· Discuss possible school closures with local school and health officials.

· Establish plans for social distancing measures for students and staff in school.  Specifically addressing the separation of ill students and staff.

· Ensure routing cleaning measures are taking place in areas that students and staff touch often (keyboards, doorknobs, desks, etc…)

· Develop a plan for continuing education for those students and staff that may be required to stay home because they are at-risk for complications from the influenza, they become ill themselves, or they have ill household members.