H1N1 Flu Update - Urgent

The H1N1 influenza alert in Macau has been raised to level 5 and as a result, the Macau Education Bureau (DESJ) is requiring schools to take extra precautionary actions to prevent the spread of H1N1 flu in schools. Starting on Thursday morning, staff members and volunteers will be at each entrance of the school screening the temperature of all students and adults before entering the school. Anyone whose temperature is above 37.5 degrees Celsius will not be allowed to enter the school. Parents will be contacted and the student will be sent home. This includes all school staff and volunteers.

Students, parents and visitors who arrive at the school before 8:00 a.m. and after 8:45 a.m. must use the main entrance of the school to have their temperatures taken there, as other entrances will be closed. The Kiss and Ride and side gate entrances will only be open from 8:00 a.m. until 8:45 a.m.

School staff will also go to each classroom in the afternoon and do another temperature check of students. Any student whose temperatures are above 37.5 degrees Celsius will be sent home after contact is made with the parents. Students sent home will not be allowed to return to school until parents present a medical certificate from a certified doctor indicating that they are in good health.

We will also have hand-sanitizer dispensers set up at each of the entrances to the school and ask that everyone sanitize their hands before entering the school. As well, our cleaners will use stronger disinfectants in public areas such as the washrooms, stairwell handrails and door knobs.

The Red Spot lunch workers have begun to wear masks as an extra precaution - this does not mean that they are feeling ill. The bus company has been contacted and any bus drivers or bus mothers who feel ill or have a fever will be replaced until they are feeling well.

Symptoms of H1N1 (Swine) flu are similar to most flu viruses and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing, as well as runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea in some cases. If your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms, you should take him/her to the doctor for a consultation. Do not send your child to school if they are not feeling well.

The following are steps that everyone in the TIS community can follow to minimize the likelihood of the spread of any flu or virus:
-Do not send your child to school if you feel he/she is sick enough to wear a mask.
-If your child has a fever above 37.5 degrees, please keep him/her home for 48 hours AFTER the fever has subsided.
-Inform the school immediately if your child is sick or has been admitted to the hospital.
-Observe good personal hygiene at home and school, including washing hands frequently with soap and water.
-Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of the tissue immediately.
-Cooperate with us by picking up your child from school if he/she is not feeling well and keep your child home until fully recovered.
By working together, we can maintain a clean and healthy school environment. We will continue to keep you informed of any developments regarding the H1N1 flu through letters home and the school website.

If you are able to assist the school in taking temperatures from 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., please contact Miss Ellen at the school office at 2853-3700. We will need three volunteers per day at this time. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Thank-you for your cooperation in this matter.