Health Department’s Guidelines For Schools
It’s “back to school time” and everyone wants to ensure that children have a safe and healthy start to the school year.
“Unfortunately, schools can be places where germs and illness spread, and so the the Ministry of Health, Seniors and Environment has issued updated health guidelines for schools to coincide with the new school year,” said a spokesperson.
“The guidelines will assist parents and teachers in keeping children healthy and show them how to respond appropriately when children come down with various ill health conditions.
“Fact sheets on rashes, skin infections, foodborne illness, respiratory infections, and other infections including, conjunctivitis, mononucleosis and head lice, are being provided.”
‘Healthy Schools’ Coordinator Marie Beach [center] and School Nurse Erinn Smith [right] presenting a copy of the guidelines to Victor Scott School Principal Valerie Williams [left]
“When children or teachers are unwell it is important for them to remain at home until symptoms abate, to prevent the spread of the illness and to protect the rest of the school population,” explained the Director of the Department of Health David Kendell. “Children and teachers who are unwell should always seek the advice of their physician.”
Department of Health School Nurses will provide each school with the updated guidelines in the form of a handbook and poster. The resources will also be available online on the Department of Health webpage.
Compliance with the guidelines will also form part of the healthy schools assessment in 2014/15. ‘Healthy Schools’ is collaboration between the Department of Health and the Department of Education that assures that Bermuda’s schools are healthy and safe.
For more information on infection control in schools and child-care settings please contact the Child Health Clinic at 278-6460.
The full 14-page guideline follow below [PDF here]
