Thursday 17 September 2009

Swine Flu Virus

Dear Parent / Guardian,

St. Panteleimon Hellenic College is obviously taking the threat of a potential spread of the swine flu virus very seriously and adhering to all advice and directives issued by both local and national government. The current situation is that no Greek Community School has reported closure due to swine flu and that students should continue to attend our College as normal unless you are directed otherwise. The College will issue any important communication at this stage by letter and via the College blog.

To enable all our Staff to deal with the current risk effectively, we would ask Parents and Guardians to support the College in ensuring students are fully aware of the recent advice from the government on good hygiene. This includes the use of tissues if they have a cough or sneeze and responsible disposal in a bin. They should also be washing their hands on a regular basis during their time at College.

As a precaution, if a student exhibits or complains of one or more specific symptoms of the virus (such as joint stiffness, vomiting or fever) a member of Staff will be in contact with you to arrange for an adult to come and collect the student from College. We would appreciate your cooperation with this matter.

Further advice and information can also be obtained by:

- Visiting the NHS Choices website (www.nhs.uk) for information and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Swine Flu. There is also an online flu symptom checker on both www.nhs.uk and the NHS Direct website (http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/).

- Ringing the national Swine Flu Information Line (0800 1 513 513). This provides pre-recorded information about Swine Flu.

- Calling the NHS Direct telephone service (0845 4647). Callers with flu-like symptoms, who have internet access, will be asked to try the online flu symptom checker first. If necessary, they will be able to request a call back from an advisor. Otherwise callers are asked to hold to speak to someone who can help.

- Contacting your GP over the phone.

If you have any further questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us at the College.
Yours sincerely

Fr. Anastasios D. Salapatas
Principal

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