Dear Parents,

As influenza returns to New York City and State this fall, the health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff is our primary concern. The Superintendent’s Office in the Archdiocese of New York will continue to work intensively with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), local Departments of Health (DOH) and District Supervising Nurses to promulgate strategies for prevention and infection control in our schools. Our goal is to keep schools open, as long as it is in the best interests of our students and faculty.

Steps parents can take to help prevent the spread of infection are listed below.
These guidelines and additional educational materials are available for download on the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
Additional communications will be sent home to you as information becomes available.

·         Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze and cough. Use a tissue and throw it away in a receptacle. Wash your hands after you sneeze or cough.

·         Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Wash long enough to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice. Or, use gels or wipes with alcohol in them.

·         Please follow the prevention guidelines provided by the CDC. Educational materials are available on the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

·         Don’t get too close to people who are sick, if possible maintain a distance of three feet. If you get sick yourself, avoid close contact with other people.

·         Any child with flu-like symptoms should remain home and seek medical treatment as needed. Influenza-like illness (ILI) is defined as fever with cough or sore throat.

·         Children should stay home from school until they are well for at least 24 hours.

·         Because certain people are at an increased risk of complications from H1N1 influenza, it is important that the following individuals seek medical attention if they exhibit flu-like symptoms:

o   Pregnant women

o   People with asthma, diabetes, chronic illnesses or other long term health problems

Again, the State Health Department and the State Education Department will continue to provide guidance that will help inform our decisions in the Archdiocese of New York. The health and safety of our students is our primary concern. Thank you for your support in protecting our students.

Sincerely,

Sr. Kathleen Marie, CR