Public Health Agency of Canada
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Frequently Asked Questions - H1N1 Flu Virus
Schools, Daycares and Postsecondary Institutions
Q2. What are the Public Health Agency of Canada's recommendations regarding school closures?
Q3. Under what circumstances should schools close?
Q4. What considerations have been made for students living in dorms?
Q1. What actions does the Public Health Agency of Canada recommend schools, daycares and postsecondary institutions take to address H1N1 Flu Virus?
The H1N1 Flu Virus can spread easily among young people, the Public Health Agency of Canada has developed guidelines for daycares and K-12 schools as well as postsecondary institutions and board schools to help reduce the risk of transmission within school settings.
These guidelines make recommendations on how to teach students and staff about proper handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes, as well as increased measures in isolating the ill, disinfecting common surfaces, and reporting outbreaks to local public health authorities.
Q2. What are the Public Health Agency of Canada's recommendations regarding school closures?
The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to recommend against the widespread proactive closure of schools. This measure may not be effective in preventing transmission, and the benefits of keeping schools open currently outweighs the risk of transmission in these settings. This recommendation will continue to be reviewed based on the situation in Canada.
Q3. Under what circumstances should schools close?
The Public Health Agency of Canada does not recommend widespread proactive school closures, but in certain circumstances, the reactive closure of some schools might be necessary. This would be a local decision in accordance with provincial/territorial legislation. One situation where school closure might be considered is if the number of school absenteeism and/or staff shortages impacts the safety of school operations.
Q4. What considerations have been made for students living in dorms?
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that post-secondary institutions and boarding schools consider isolating ill students in a separate section of dorms. Also, all students should be provided with information on how to care for themselves if they have the flu and how to seek medical attention, and consideration should be given to providing support for students who do not have a support network in the area (i.e. students from out of province/territory). This may include providing in-room meals and care.
Get all the facts on the H1N1 Flu Virus
