The Peru Gazette

Peru Central School District remains open, despite the confirmation of swine flu cases in a private school in Queens, New York City.   Parents are asked, however, to prepare for possible closures if the new virus continues to spread. Like other school districts, Peru Central and local health officials are working together to monitor the situation. Parents will be updated with any important information, said Superintendent of Schools A. Paul Scott.

Parents can take action to protect their children and help prevent the spread of the flu. They should, however, also plan ahead in the event a local health emergency is declared and schools are required to close. Peru Central is sending a letter to parents on this matter. “At this time, the local health department has advised us that students who are not ill can continue to attend school,” said Superintendent Scott. “Our schools remain open at this time. Peru Central is consulting closely with local health officials regarding best practices for infection control as well as cleaning practices for our schools.  However, to keep flu from spreading to more people, we ask parents to keep sick children home. Any children who come to school with flu-like symptoms or respiratory illness will be sent home.” 

If swine flu continues to spread statewide and more students become ill, health officials advise that it may become necessary to close schools for a period of time. It is important for families to plan ahead and prepare for the possibility that schools may be closed. 

Health officials say parents can help protect their children and prevent the spread of swine flu as they would colds and other seasonal flu by taking the following precautions: 

• Teach your children to wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds (about as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice). Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself. 

• Teach your children the proper use of hand sanitizer. Gels, rubs, and hand wipes all work well, as long as they contain at least 60% alcohol.  Hand wipes must be disposed of properly.  Always read and follow label instructions when using hand sanitizer.   

• Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of the elbow. Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself. 

• Teach your children to stay at least three feet from people who are sick. That’s the same distance as a yardstick. 

• People who are sick should stay home from work or school and avoid other people until they are better. 

This is an evolving situation. Peru Central continues to receive information and support from the State Department of Health, the State Education Department, other state agencies and the Clinton County Health Department. For more information on swine flu, visit www.nyhealth.gov, or www.cdc.gov  or the 24 hour toll-free hotline that New Yorkers across the State can use to get answers to their questions. The hotline is 1-800-808-1987.