UWI statement on monitoring H1N1 outbreak
|
UWI statement on monitoring H1N1 outbreak |
|
UWI MONITORING H1N1 OUTBREAK: CLASSES TO BEGIN MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Sunday, September 6, 2009 - In light of the outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1) at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Principal, Professor Gordon Shirley met with members of the Campus administration this morning, Sunday, September 6, 2009, to assess the situation and determine the way forward.
The meeting was attended by the Director of Student Services, Student Services Managers of the six halls of residence at Mona, the Director of the University Health Centre, the Head of the Department of Community Health & Psychiatry, the Professor of Public Health, the Head of the Department of Microbiology and the President of the Guild of Students.
The meeting heard that no further cases of the Influenza A had been confirmed, however, some 100 students had reported flu-like symptoms.
These students are receiving medical attention and are being carefully monitored. The University has also implemented recommendations for care made by the public health authorities.
After careful consideration of the current state of affairs, and in keeping with guidelines established by the Ministry of Health (Jamaica) and the United States-based Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, it was agreed that classes will be held as scheduled on Monday, September 7, 2009. However, in order to reduce the risk of exposure, The UWI. Mona will postpone all non-essential meetings and social events that were scheduled to take place at the Campus for the next seven days.
In order to further minimise the risk of infection, The UWI, Mona advises any member of staff or student who may have symptoms of influenza to stay home and away from other people, as well as to seek medical attention. Affected persons should not to report to the Campus until they have been properly assessed and it is determined by the health provider that there is no longer a risk of spreading the flu.
Persons who are already on the campus and who have flu-like symptoms should stay away from other persons. Affected members of staff should notify their Dean or Head of Department of their condition. Students with flu-like symptoms should inform the University Health Centre or the Student Services Manager on hall or at the Office for Commuting Students so that appropriate arrangements may be made for care.
Non-Jamaicans students with such symptoms should report to the Student Services Manager or Resident Advisors in the hall of residence to which they have been assigned, or go to the University Health Centre, which will be open on the weekend. All staff and students are reminded of their personal responsibility to help slow the spread of the flu virus and help protect others from getting the flu by practising good hand hygiene, that is, washing their hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing.
The UWI, Mona continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health and once again wishes to assure the public that the situation is being closely monitored by the Administration and the public health authorities. Steps are also being taken to minimise the spread of the infection. Members of the university and wider community will continue to be updated as necessary.
Contact: Carroll Edwards (Mrs.) Public Relations Officer, UWI, Mona Campus Email: proffice@uwimona.edu.jm carroll.edwards@uwimona.edu.jm Tel. Nos: (876) 977-5941/935-8348, Fax: (876) 977-6669 |
© 2009 CompanyLongName. All rights reserved. Read our privacy guidelines. |
