HRSB Pandemic Plan

With the increasing amount of flu activity throughout Nova Scotia, and changing information around H1N1 and flu symptoms, people may be confused, unsure or anxious about what they should do when they or a loved one is experiencing flu symptoms. To assist Nova Scotians in making decisions about when to seek medical attention, the Department of Health Promotion & Protection has produced an Influenza Decision Chart at http://www.gov.ns.ca/hpp/h1n1/illness.asp .

The HRSB’s pandemic preparedness plan is now active.  The health and safety of students and staff remains a priority and will be closely monitored.  Students are being advised to wash their hands regularly and practice good cough hygiene and stay home from school and work if they are ill to prevent the spread of H1N1 virus.  HRSB expects staff and student to come to work or school if they are feeling well and able to resume normal daily activities.  Enhanced cleaning will also occur at all school and offices.    

 

During the H1N1 pandemic, HRSB school s and offices will remain open.  Senior Staff will follow the advice and guidance of the Department of Education, as well as provincial and local public health officials who have the expertise to assess the level of health risk posed by a specific situation.

 

Schools will monitor student and staff absenteeism and the HRSB will share this information with public health authorities so the progress of the virus can be monitored.  Schools may close for operational reasons (no power, heat, limited staffing, etc.), but any decision to close schools or offices due to significant operational impact as a result of the pandemic will be made only after consultation with the department of Education, as well as local public health authorities.  It is also possible that the Medical Officer of health may make recommendations regarding the closure of individual schools, or all schools.

 

In the event that the pandemic is having significant operational impacts in the HRSB, normal program expectations and service levels may not be met (i.e. bussing, special education).

 

Public Health Nurse, Joan Mikkelsen, will be coming to our school to conduct hand-washing sessions for each class.  

 

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