DepEd to schools: Take precautions vs A(H1N1)

After six students contracted the Influenza A (H1N1) virus recently, the Department of Education (DepEd) instructed elementary and high schools nationwide to take precautions against the disease. DepEd Secretary Arman Luistro issued the order as he noted that A(H1N1) can become prevalent during the rainy season. "We call on the parents, students, teachers and school officials to be mindful of their health, take extra precaution, and to be watchful for any symptoms pointing to A(H1N1)," he said in DepEd Memorandum 315. Earlier this month, Health Secretary Enrique Ona confirmed at least six elementary school students in Candon, Ilocos Sur contracted the disease. Luistro instructed school officials to maintain sanitation in school premises and conduct information campaigns on A(H1N1). He said there should be no repeat of last year's incident where students affected by the disease missed many days of classes. "This year, we should not let it stop our school operations. Instead, we should be ready to do our part in controlling the spread of the virus," he said. DepEd also issued guidelines on the implementation of the Preventive Alert System in Schools (PASS), a systematic relay of information on a child’s or teacher’s state of health. Under the PASS program, the students themselves observe the well-being of their own classmates. If someone is not feeling well or has colds, cough, and fever, the students will report this to medical or personnel staff. If a student is confirmed to have the A (H1N1) virus, the principal will notify the family or guardian of the sick child. If the school does not have a physician, the nearest health center physician, municipal health officer, or rural health worker will be consulted. “With everyone’s support, we can make our schools a safe environment for learning," Luistro said. – VVP, GMANews.TV