"Taking precautions against the H1N1 virus in schools is a shared responsibility. We do not want to create panic but we also do not want to ignore the issue, and teachers should be aware on how to educate their students," said Dr Ali Bin Shaker, Director-General of Ministry of Health and Head of Technical Committee to Combat H1N1.

Teachers were directed to tell their students to stay at home and avoid using school buses if they feel sick.

Teachers should also remind their students to cover their mouths when coughing, and to separate ill students and staff.

Teachers, doctors and school nurses were informed by ministry officials to keep a close watch on children under the age of five, as they are considered part of the high risk group.

"Pre-schoolers should always wash their hands, and teachers have the responsibility of cleaning surfaces and chairs with sanitisers," said Dr Yousef Al Tair, Head of Accident and Emergency Department at the Ministry of Health, and member of Technical Committee to Combat H1N1 virus.

"The droplets can travel up to a distance of six feet. We understand that it is unrealistic for students to be kept that far apart in the classroom, but we can apply this strategy to nurseries and pre-schoolers as they will not be that crowded in the classroom."

As the virus is a droplets disease, which is transmitted through sneezing and coughing, students are required to keep a distance of at least a metre and a half between each other.

During the meeting between health officials and school representatives, it was pointed out that the new academic year will start as scheduled and that the Ministry of Health will not interfere with the schools' term schedule.

"Schools should set up a dedicated room for students suspected of having the H1N1 virus. They should wear masks and be kept in the isolation room until their parents collect them," said Dr Al Tair.

In case of a suspected swine flu, school authorities will instruct parents to send bring their child to a primary health care centre.

source gn