Swine Flu - Children returning from UK advised to stay off school for 48 hours

29 June 2009

Jersey’s Medical Officer of Health has advised that, with effect from 30 June, school children returning to Jersey after visiting affected areas in the UK should stay off school for 48 hours to limit the spread of Swine Flu.

This new measure should help to limit the spread of the new virus, and will remain in place for the rest of the school term. The change has come about after the Health Protection Agency (UK) extended the list of most affected countries to include the UK, specifically London, the Midlands and Glasgow. Mexico, the USA, Australia and Canada are also on the list.

Medical Officer of Health, Dr Rosemary Geller, said: “Our key objective is to limit the spread of this new virus until we have a vaccine. Children tend to be more infectious than adults so we feel this is a sensible precaution.

“We have been liaising with the Education, Sport and Culture Department to work out how many children are going on school trips to the UK. Since many trips return on a Saturday, children will only need to be off for a day which will hopefully lessen the impact on child care arrangements.”

Director of Education, Sport, and Culture, Mario Lundy, said: “Our prime concern is to safeguard the health of students and staff, while minimising disruption wherever possible to teaching and learning in our schools. We appreciate the cooperation we have been receiving from students and parents and shall be contacting schools today to inform them of the new arrangements.”

Eleven cases of Swine Flu have been confirmed in Jersey. The latest patient was confirmed today (29 June) and is recovering well. All the patient’s contacts have been identified and given Tamiflu as a precaution.

Dr Geller added: “Anyone who has a fever (temperature 38 degrees or more) and flu symptoms, whether they have been away from the Island or not, should stay at home and call their GP for a home visit. It is important that people do not go to A&E and risk spreading the virus into the hospital.”

The Flu helpline, which provides general information for the public, is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm and the number to call is 445566. Anyone needing medical advice will need to contact their GP.