By Jasmine Franklin
Wolf Creek Public Schools has budgeted $45,000 to prepare schools for a possible H1N1 pandemic this school year.
With talks of H1N1 in the air throughout the summer and the new school-year months, Wolf Creek School’s board trustees are taking no chances. Schools will be equipped with hand sanitizers, gloves, gowns, cleaning materials and even isolation rooms, said Chris Banbury, occupational health and safety co-coordinator.
“We are prepared should a situation arise.”
Also available will be counsellors in the event of a H1N1 pandemic occurs to talk to children and parents effected.
Banbury said the virus tends to attack those with weaker immune systems including infants and toddlers, seniors or those with an illness such as pneumonia.
“As of right now, vaccines are not available,” Banbury said. “When it is available, anyone over six months will be able to receive the vaccine.”
It is still unknown if the vaccine will be offered through the schools.
A newsletter has been drafted with information on the H1N1 virus, prevention tips, measures the board has taken to prepare for the possible outbreak and guidelines on how to use the supplies.
The newsletters will be given out to all students once the schools receive the letters.
Hand sanitizers have been placed in every classroom of all schools.
In the event a child becomes sick, nurses at the schools have the obligation to protect staff and students by sending them home, Banbury said. In extreme cases, the child will be looked after by the nurse until a parent or guardian can pick them up.
The Canadian government will release the H1N1 vaccine in November.