 |
THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK Richard P. Mills President of The University and Commissioner of Education |
 |
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Richard F. Daines, M.D Commissioner |
May 1 , 2009
TO: District Superintendents of Schools
Superintendents of Public and Nonpublic Schools
Administrators of Charter Schools
Principals
Other Educators
FROM: Richard P. Mills
Commissioner
NYS Education Department
Richard F. Daines, M.D.
Commissioner
NYS Department of Health
SUBJECT: H1N1 (Swine) Flu
The New York State Education Department and New York State Department of Health are working in close collaboration to provide guidance regarding school dismissal, and day care center closure for New York State (out side of New York City).
The attachment to this memo will serve to guide local health departments, schools, school districts, day care centers, and institutions of higher education as they address the swine flu outbreak in regard to school dismissal and day care center closure related to confirmed, suspected or probable cases of H1N1 flu. In addition, it will serve to update our joint communication dated April 27, 2009. As you know, several school districts have now closed their schools as a result of confirmed and suspected cases of the H1N1 flu.
Included with this memo is a guidance document, produced by the State Health Department. This document provides answers to frequently asked questions and guidance for school dismissal and day care center closure, including duration. It is important to remember, though, that decisions regarding dismissal of students and duration of dismissal are local ones to be made by school and district officials in consultation with the school medical director, nursing staff, and local health department officials.
This an evolving situation and recommendations may change as more information becomes available. Because future school dismissals are possible school officials should plan for this possibility. School officials are further advised to inform district residents that they should prepare for the possibility of such dismissals. Communication is critical and school officials should be in regular contact with parents and the community through the district’s website, email, letters, and the local media.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. We will be in touch again as warranted.
Attachments:
DOH Memo, "Educational Institutions: Update #1"