Abu Dhabi, September 08: Schools in the capital will not be closed and classes will not be disrupted due to the H1N1 threat, according to a senior official of the Health Authority-Abu Dhabi (HAAD).
“Closing (of) schools is a very unlikely and distant scenario, but, if deemed necessary we have developed a phased action management plan in conjunction with Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) which includes remote teaching and learning components,” Zaid Al-Siksek, chief executive of HAAD, said in a press statement.
Siksek’s statement which was carried by the state news agency WAM didn’t elaborate on how they are going to implement the plan.
Siksek’s statement followed reports of three confirmed swine flu cases among students in the capital — a female Belgian student from the American International School and two students from The British School, Al Khubairat.
The Grade 9 student from the American International School was tested positive last Tuesday, making her the first confirmed case of a student in the country.
“Following extensive consultation with ADEC, we have developed a comprehensive management plan to deal with the H1N1 threat.
“The protocols give a step-by-step description of all actions to be taken by school management, teachers, pupils, school nurses and parents,” he added saying that the comprehensive H1N1 action plan and protocols are now fully in place with ADEC for the new school year.
Siksek noted that the swine flu training for the educators is still ongoing and that a “detailed risk management information and preparedness resources are also being distributed to schools.”
The factsheet is also available on HAAD’s website at www.haad.ae/swine-flu in English and Arabic.
“If a child is not feeling well and is presented with symptoms of an influenza like illness (ILI) school nurses, teachers and school staff are being trained with clear guidelines and protocols to identify potential cases and for the rapid referral of the child for appropriate medical treatment,” said Siksek adding that similar action will be taken in the case of staff members.
Dr Amer Al Kindi, School Health Manager at ADEC told Khaleej Times on Saturday that students who are showing two or more flu-like symptoms should be taken to the nearest healthcare facility, either a hospital or a clinic.
The child should be kept at home in isolation for a minimum of seven days or at least 24 hours until symptoms are gone without the aid of medicine, or whichever is longer.
This week, training of educators in Abu Dhabi was scheduled on Monday and Wednesday and Tuesday and Thursday in Al Ain.
Over 300 school nurses have already been trained on the management of swine flu, noted Al Siksek.
While HAAD and ADEC laid out measures to combat the swine flu spread, some private schools in the capital have taken some steps of their own. Al Rayyan National Private School has decided to move the re-opening of classes after Eid.
“Due to swine flu scare and the uncertainties, parents have requested us to move the re-opening after Eid,” said the principal Dr Afsar Khan.
Meanwhile, the principal of Pioneers International Private School has issued a memo to parents, students and employees advising them to undergo “seven days of self quarantine” upon return from abroad.
“They are to stay in their homes until the completion of the aforementioned days. This is to administer preventive measures against swine flu case,” said Dr Daniel Sistona.
–Agencies