On April 30, Union 74 Supt. Robert Bouchard sent a letter home with students giving an update for parents and staff on the swine flu outbreak in Maine.
In the text of his letter, Bouchard recounted a conference call with the Commissioner of Education on protocols that will be used in the event a swine flu case is confirmed in local schools.
“In the event that Maine CDC becomes aware of a confirmed or probable case of swine flu in a public school student, Maine CDC will contact the superintendent of the school in order to close the school and send students and staff home,” Bouchard said.
“If a sibling of the affected student is in another school, that school should also be closed. In addition, if that student travels on a bus that services another school, that school will also be closed.
“Dr. Mills (Dr. Dora Mills, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention) will provide guidance on how long the school will remain closed. We currently anticipate a closure would be for seven calendar days.
“The schools are increasing their efforts in cleaning surfaces touched by many hands, including doorknobs and water fountains.
“The best of all defenses continues to be respiratory hygiene: Cover your coughs and sneezes; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; wash hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing; and, stay home if you are sick, especially with a fever.
“We will keep you informed as changes occur.”
The U.S. CDC’s website has updated national information and guidance, and can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.
