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PRESS RELEASE
SECAUCUS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
CYNTHIA RANDINA, SUPERINTENDENT
NOTICE TO ALL PARENTS & GUARDIANS:
Throughout the late spring and early summer, we were receiving continual updates from the Center for Disease Control and the New Jersey Department of Health regarding the H1N1 Virus commonly called Swine Flu.
As of the beginning of August, the total number of confirmed swine flu cases in New Jersey reached 977. The State has had 16 deaths from the H1N1 flu since the virus first appeared in April.
Currently, there has been a decrease in the number of reported cases, however it is likely that another outbreak may occur this fall. According to an article in the NY Times on August 8, 2009, Federal health officials say that a vaccine will probably be ready by October. People will need two shots of the new vaccine in addition to the one shot for the seasonal flu. Children and young people will be given priority for the H1N1 vaccine and vaccination clinics may be set up in some schools.
Health officials also advise staff members and students to stay home when they are sick and not to return for at least 24 hours after the fever goes away. Schools are urged to set up a separate room to quarantine students and staff who do come to school sick until they can be sent home.
We have been very fortunate in that, at that this point in time, there have been no confirmed cases of Swine Flu in our schools. I strongly urge all parents/guardians to keep children home when sick. While school attendance is important, it is not acceptable to put the health of the other students and the staff at risk. To that end, we are suspending our practice of awarding students for perfect attendance for 2009-2010.
Once school opens, we will continue to monitor this very closely. Please check our district website and Channel 34 for updates.
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