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Reynoldsburg Schools prepares for H1N1
(by Kim Lunsford, staff writer - October 29, 2009)
The Reynoldsburg City School District has been monitoring and preparing in the event of a pandemic like H1N1, Superintendent Steve Dackin said.
H1N1, otherwise known as the Swine flu, is an influenza virus causing illness in people with symptoms similar to the regular seasonal influenza virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Reynoldsburg Schools began preparations for such a pandemic years ago when the former superintendent, Richard Ross, established a plan for bird flu emergencies, Dackin said.
"We're well prepared," Dackin said.
The district is currently working closely with the Franklin County Health Department creating a contingency plan for steps to take in the case of an emergency plan. While monitoring student and staff absences, a few spikes in a couple of buildings have shown but nothing that the district feels should be of concern at this time.
All classrooms now have disposable thermometers for teachers to take immediate temperatures for those students feeling ill.
"The janitorial staff has been working their collective tails off cleaning and disinfecting," Dackin said.
The health department has recommended against closing the entire district in the event that there appears to be a breakout of the virus, but rather decide on a case by case basis.
The school board and superintendent will make the final decision and close based on district needs. Traditional methods for notifying families of closings will be followed.
Through the health department, the schools will host vaccination clinics at the high school field house. When the vaccine is ready, any member of the community that is eligible can come out and get a shot.
Education on the virus is the key, Dackin said.
"If your child is sick and they are running a fever, please keep them home," he said.
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