Canada's Largest Private Boarding School is Well Prepared to Battle H1N1

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, October 01, 2009 --(PR.com)-- In preparation for the return of H1N1 flu virus in the fall, Columbia International College has established an H1N1 Committee that has adopted a proactive approach where a comprehensive plan is put together to respond to any emerging H1N1 concerns.

The preparatory mode of action is as follows;

1. Education:
H1N1 Education Week (September 14th-18th) is created to increase students’ understanding about the flu virus and how it affects us.

Students are also educated by regional liaison officers in their native language on H1N1 preventive measures and self screening methods.

H1N1 related activities such as poster competition and forums are introduced to the school community to create awareness about precautionary and preventive methods.

2. Prevention:
Columbia International College has taken pro-active measures focused on the promotion of cough/sneezing etiquette and hand hygiene via distributed hand-washing posters and hand sanitizers. On site hand sanitizers had also been installed in various locations across school and residences in the summer to promote hygiene awareness.

Encourage social distancing and other precautionary measures during the flu season.

Use of the latest and approved H1N1-specific cleaning agents on furniture, door knobs, computer keyboards, switches, handrails and washrooms as part of our preventive strategy.

3. Isolation and Continuing Care:
Academic – Provide additional academic support to students when they are ill in order to ensure uninterrupted schooling.

Medical – To ensure effective and efficient delivery of medical advice and diagnosis with on site medical clinic staffed with registered nurses.

Physical – Ensure that residences and students’ immediate surroundings are kept clean; increasing cleaning frequency in common areas such as door knobs, computer keyboards, switches, handrails and washrooms. Increased staff, surveillance, cleaning frequency and maintenance in affected areas.

4. Learning Continuity:
To ensure uninterrupted academic services to students, Columbia International College has a Learning Continuity Plan where the needs of our students are of priority. Columbia International College is prepared to respond accordingly to keep the school and residences healthy and safe.

Columbia International College is taking steps to minimize the impacts and effects of H1N1 and the spread of the flu virus; we will continue to monitor any developments and keep close communication with the students, parents and community. The school will work closely with health authorities to keep our school community healthy and safe.

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