MCYS 132-070325C 8 May 2009

Dear Parents,

SHARED RESPONSIBILITY TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF INFLUENZA A (H1N1) AND OTHER INFECTIOUS DIAERESES IN CHILD CARE CENTRES



On 6 May 2009, the Ministry of Health (HOH) informed that they are preparing for a progressive step-down of the Disease Outbreak Response System alert status from Orange to Yellow. Though we are aware that the change in alert status also indicates a sept-down in some requirements, such as the lifting of Health Declarations of visitors, MCYS would like to urge parents to co-operate with the child care centres in their continued efforts to safeguard the health of your children.

2 We have encouraged child care centers to continue with the following precautionary measures:

- Daily temperature checks for children
- Contact parents on the well being of children who are absent from the centre
- Maintain a high level of hygiene in the centre

3 For the measures to be effective, we appeal to all parents to exercise social responsibility in ensuring the well being of your children and your family members. We seek your co-operation to:

A) Temperature Taking

- Take your child's temperature daily before leaving home for the centre.

B) Symptoms

- Be on the look out for flu-like symptoms in your child.
- Bring your child home immediately if he displays any of the symptoms such as fever, cough, chills, headaches, malaise and myalgia.
- Seek medical attention for your child immediately if he is unwell. Allow him/her to rest at home until his/ her medical certification has expired and he/she is well.

C) Travel & Attendance at Centre

- Inform the centre if you, your child or other family members are unwell and have traveled to affected countries and areas* or have been in contact with a person suspected or diagnosed to have Influenza A (H1N1-2009)
- You are advised to keep your child at home if your child has traveled to affected countries/areas or countries with confirmed cases of Influenza A(H1N1-2009)
- Heed the travel advisory issued by MOH (do look out for updates in newspapers, radio and TV. You may also refer to www.flu.gov.sg or www.moh.gov.sg)

D) Hygiene Practices

- Adopt and cultivate in your family good health and hygiene habits, such as washing hands frequently with soap and water, especially after contact with respiratory secretions (e.g. after sneezing and coughing).
- For more information on hygiene measures and washing hands procedure, You may refer to www.hpb.gov.sg or www.childcarelink.gov.sg

4 We look forward to working hand in hand with you to safeguard our children and families.