3rd September 2009


Dear Parents


Re: Update on student absences through ‘flu-like symptoms


I am writing to keep you informed of the situation at Sha Tin College with regard to the rising number of student absences through ‘flu-like symptoms. Yesterday, Wednesday 2nd September, there were 47 students with ‘flu symptoms (and of course others with non-‘flu illnesses) and there have been a number of new suspected ‘flu cases today.  We currently have official confirmation of three cases of H1/N1 but expect more as we receive feedback from tests conducted by medical centres and doctors. Thankfully, most cases appear to be relatively mild and I am pleased to report that the students appear to be making quick recoveries.

We contacted the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) yesterday and a doctor and health officer were sent to the College to assess the situation and give advice. We are reporting to the CHP daily with student numbers and year groups. We will, of course, follow the recommendations of the CHP and the regulations from the authorities but do not foresee school closure at this point in time.

The pattern of student illness seems to be about two days behind a similar pattern at Sha Tin Junior School and we are liaising closely with the Head and staff at the Junior School in order to coordinate our actions and communication.

I would like to emphasise the following actions where families can support us in dealing with the situation:

  1. Please check the temperature of your children every morning and do not send them to school if they have a fever and / or exhibit ‘flu-like symptoms (see further information through the attached links);
  2. Seek medical advice from a doctor or centre for children, or family members, with ‘flu like symptoms;
  3. Emphasise good hygiene practices with your children – regular hand washing; sneezing or coughing into tissues and disposing of the tissues in bins;
  4. Immediately informing the College if your child is absent from school and giving the reason for absence, reporting any ‘flu-like symptoms if applicable;
  5.  If your child has suffered from ‘flu, do not send them back to school until at least 48 hours has elapsed from the end of their illness.

Finally, I would like to reassure you that the College continues to take any necessary steps in order to respond to this increase in illness amongst our students and will follow any recommendations by the relevant authorities, as required. We feel it is important to maintain a calm and purposeful response to this current situation.

Yours sincerely

John Nixon
Principal – Sha Tin College


Useful links

Department of Health: http://www.info.gov.hk/dh/
Centre for Health Protection: http://www.chp.gov.hk/
Hospital Authority: http://www.ha.org.hk/
World Health Organization: http://www.who.int