TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Directorate of Education (DoE) has issued a swine flue advisory to all schools calling on managements to ensure screening of students having symptoms of flu and giving them seven days leave if medical reports confirm the virus.
Similarly, the teaching and non-teaching staff have also been advised to stay at home if they develop flu like symptoms. This is in view of the at least seven swine flu cases reported in the State and 1000 deaths across India, including 265 in Gujarat alone.
“Students, teachers and other employees working in schools/educational institutions are advised to stay at home for at least seven days if they are advised by the doctor to take anti viral treatment and should isolation themselves at home,” the two-page advisory based on Directorate of Health Services guidelines reads.
The guidelines also mention constant self-monitoring, and if the symptoms worsen, patients are requested to report to health authorities immediately.
The education department has given the absentees, the freedom not to produce any medical certificate for this cause while it has also detailed safety measures like following hygiene. Students/staff “…are advised to wash their hands frequently with soap and water… observe strict cough/sneeze etiquette by using tissue/handkerchief to cover one’s mouth while sneezing and coughing. The used tissue paper should be kept in a separate plastic bag so that it can be disposed of safely,” the guidelines read.
The educational institutions have also been advised to observe regular cleaning of the premises to clear droplets and shredding from any unnoticed mildly infected students or employees. For students staying in hostels, the hostel authorities have been asked to monitor their health status as well as of the ancillary staff on regular basis, and in case of suspected cases the medical authorities should be summoned immediately.
The circular has also asked schools to spread this awareness to all PTAs while it has also listed out dos and don’ts and symptoms of the infection.
