Niko
Editor, Senior Moderator
<table><tbody><tr><td>Keigwin School Closed Due To Flu Outbreaks</td></tr> <tr><td>School Stuff</td></tr> <tr><td>Submitted by City of Middletown on 2009-10-27.</td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td> <table align="right" border="0"><tbody><tr><td> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="5" width="1"><tbody><tr align="center" valign="top"><td>
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</td></tr></tbody></table> </td></tr></tbody></table> Health and school officials have decided to close Keigwin School for the rest of this week due to a high number of students who remain at home with flu-like symptoms. According to Middletown School Superintendent Michael J. Frechette, 40-percent of Keigwin students are out sick.
City Health Director Joseph Havlicek determined that the high rate of absenteeism warranted the school's closing. He noted that it is too early for seasonal flu, so it is safe to assume that the flu-like symptoms are most likely caused by the H1N1 virus which is the predominant flu virus in circulation at this time.
"For most people the symptoms and severity of H1N1 continue to be mild. However, flu can be easily spread from person to person. Therefore, I decided to close the school until the end of the week," said Havlicek.
He went on to say that the school's closure will give the custodial staff a change to thoroughly clean the building and allow students time to get better. All other schools will remain open and on a normal schedule for the foreseeable future.
The Health Director also offered the following advice on how to stay healthy during this flu season:
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
Do not share personal items such as drinks, food utensils.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or use the crook of your elbow instead of your hands.
Remain home from school or work if you or your children are sick. Make arrangements for family members or friends to care for your child if you need to be home. This plan should not involve possible exposure to other children.
Updated information on Keigwin and all public will be posted on the Middletown Public School's website: www.middletownschools.org. Current information on flu and flu clinics can be found on the city of Middletown website: www.cityofmiddletown.com. </td></tr></tbody></table>
http://www.courant.com/community/hc...s,0,5942637,results.formprofile?Query=20317HC
</td></tr> <tr align="right"><td>
</td></tr> <tr><td>
</td></tr></tbody></table> </td></tr></tbody></table> Health and school officials have decided to close Keigwin School for the rest of this week due to a high number of students who remain at home with flu-like symptoms. According to Middletown School Superintendent Michael J. Frechette, 40-percent of Keigwin students are out sick.
City Health Director Joseph Havlicek determined that the high rate of absenteeism warranted the school's closing. He noted that it is too early for seasonal flu, so it is safe to assume that the flu-like symptoms are most likely caused by the H1N1 virus which is the predominant flu virus in circulation at this time.
"For most people the symptoms and severity of H1N1 continue to be mild. However, flu can be easily spread from person to person. Therefore, I decided to close the school until the end of the week," said Havlicek.
He went on to say that the school's closure will give the custodial staff a change to thoroughly clean the building and allow students time to get better. All other schools will remain open and on a normal schedule for the foreseeable future.
The Health Director also offered the following advice on how to stay healthy during this flu season:
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
Do not share personal items such as drinks, food utensils.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or use the crook of your elbow instead of your hands.
Remain home from school or work if you or your children are sick. Make arrangements for family members or friends to care for your child if you need to be home. This plan should not involve possible exposure to other children.
Updated information on Keigwin and all public will be posted on the Middletown Public School's website: www.middletownschools.org. Current information on flu and flu clinics can be found on the city of Middletown website: www.cityofmiddletown.com. </td></tr></tbody></table>
http://www.courant.com/community/hc...s,0,5942637,results.formprofile?Query=20317HC