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Pandemic preparedness website and reference guide to help Illinois schools | 12.20.2006 | 06:01:58 | Views: 6066 | ID: December 20 '06: Illinois Governor Rod. R. Blagojevich announced recently the creation of a School Guidance During an Influenza Pandemic reference wesbite and guide for the state's school system administrators to help them understand how to prepare and handle students during a flu outbreak a news release said. Gov. Blagojevich said earlier in the year, state officials and responders tested their ability to respond to a pandemic and that the reference guide is to make sure "our schools are ready too." "School administrators would face challenges like determining when to require sick students, teachers and staff to stay home or when to close their schools. This guide will help them prepare for these kinds of decisions." The reference guide's website has broken flu preparation and response into categories such as planning guidelines for schools if an outbreak were to occur, and how parents and the community can prepare for a pandemic. Other sections include techniques to be used in the home, a pandemic checklist, American Red Cross home care reference materials, fact sheets, and how to spot the flu. Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, the Illinois Department of Public Health's director said, "We've included in this guide basic information about stopping the spread of germs so people know some of the steps they can take to help stave off pandemic flu and reduce its spread." "There is also information in the guide about monitoring and documenting the number of students and staff who are absent with influenza-like illness. Keeping track of absenteeism will help officials determine when and whether to close schools and track the progress of the disease in the community," Dr. Whitaker added.
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