New guidelines released August 5, 2009, by the Center for Disease Control offers updated recommendations to schools and child care providers related to preventing and controlling outbreaks of the H1N1 influenza.

A document posted at www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/k12_dismissal.htm provides interim guidance to child care programs and schools on suggested means to reduce the spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus in their programs and facilities. The information posted is in accordance with the CDC Recommendations for the Amount of Time Persons with Influenza-Like Illness Should be Away from Others However, the CDC warns that recommendations may need to be revised as more information becomes available.

According to the CDC, this document updates previous documents by reorganizing the information into information for K-12th grades versus child care programs. However, they say the new document does NOT make any changes in guidance for these settings.

CDC Launches School Dismissal Monitoring System Aug. 3, 2009
The CDC and the U.S. Department of Education, in collaboration with state and local health and education agencies and national non-governmental organizations, are implementing a school dismissal monitoring system for the 2009-10 school year. The system will be activated Aug. 3, 2009.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is not currently recommending that schools dismiss students from school in response to H1N1, it is possible that the recommendation could change or that some schools or school districts may not follow the current recommendation based on local circumstances.

Learn more:
Notice from the CDC and ED, July 30, 2009
www.aasa.org/uploadedFiles/Childrens_Programs/_files/H1N1SchoolDismissalLetter.doc

AASA H1N1 Page
www.aasa.org/content.aspx?id=3566