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June 24, 2009
Early summer vacation for teachers, students in Manchester
It’s an early summer vacation for teachers and students in the parish of Manchester as the Ministry of Education has closed schools there after two cases of swine flu were detected. All graduation functions have also been cancelled.
Where the closure of schools affects end of year examinations, continuous assessment data must be used in reporting on student performance.
Although students will be proceeding on an early summer vacation, where there are instances of students showing flu-like symptoms the matter must be brought to the attention of the relevant health authorities and reported to the Ministry of Education.
Meanwhile, the Ministry is reminding schools island-wide that they are to set up areas to quarantine any student with flu-like symptoms. The Ministry is also reminding schools that in such instances, parents are to be notified immediately, the students are to be removed from school and the matter reported to the Ministries of Education and Health.
The symptoms of Influenza A H1N1 include fever greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, headache and body aches and fatigue. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may also be experienced.
The ministry of education says it will continue to monitor the situation across the island closely and take the appropriate action where necessary.