Facing H1N1 School Closings
School districts are managing flu prevention, absences and closings as best they can. Classes have been canceled in Region 10 since Wednesday. Listen to teachers there speak about the great support they have received from their district. (1½ minutes)
Mary Jane Dunn teaches at Har – Bur Middle School and Brennan Glasgow teaches at Lake Garda Elementary. Both are members of Regional Education Association District #10.
Other districts also closing schools
Districts in Connecticut that have already closed schools this season because of H1N1 include Guilford, Middletown and East Haven. Others have canceled after school activities such as dances.
The state and federal departments of education recommend keeping schools open whenever possible. Most schools that have closed have done so due to the number of absences they were experiencing.
An article in today’s Connecticut Post has more information about school closings.
The government’s response
In an attempt to make it easier for doctors and hospitals to respond more quickly to the virus, President Obama declared the flu outbreak a national emergency Saturday. The gap between supply and demand for the H1N1 vaccine is closing, according to the Centers for Disease Control. As of today, there are 26.6 million doses available for shipment.
H1N1 resources
From the State of Connecticut:
- Reminders and Updates on H1N1 Influenza Guidance for Schools
- When to Keep Your Child Home from School or Child Care
- Resources for Schools and Child Care Programs
Visit the Federal Government’s site at flu.gov.
The latest from the Centers for Disease Control with audio and transcripts of regular press updates.
What is happening in your school?
Leave a comment and share how your district is handling H1N1.
Creative Commons image by athena.
