Winter Virus Prevention: Important Health and Hygiene Guidelines for a Safe School Environment
Dear Parents,
As the cooler days approach in Hong Kong, it is important to remind everyone of some standard hygiene practices to ensure the health and well-being of all members of our school community.
Firstly, we want to emphasize the importance of staying at home in case of infectious symptoms. If your child shows symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing, it is essential to keep them at home and consult a doctor if necessary. The Department of Health (Center for Health Protection – CHP) recommends returning to school after 48 hours of symptom-free rest, unless otherwise advised by the treating physician.
Wearing masks remains an important measure to prevent the spread of respiratory infections. We strongly encourage you to remind your children about the importance of wearing a mask to limit the transmission of viruses in case of illness.
Furthermore, we want to inform parents that the Hong Kong government recommends flu vaccination for children under 18 years of age. Flu vaccination is an effective way to reduce the risk of contracting seasonal flu and its complications. We encourage you to seek advice from your doctor regarding this.
We also want to remind you that temperature checks are still in place at the school entrance. It is crucial to check your child’s temperature before sending them to school every morning. If your child has a high temperature (above 37.5 degrees Celsius), please keep them at home and consult a doctor if necessary.
Lastly, frequent and thorough handwashing remains one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs. Encourage your children to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, focusing on the palms, the back of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
We understand that these measures may seem repetitive, but they are essential to maintain a safe and healthy school environment for everyone. By working together, we can reduce the risks of infection and ensure the continuity of our students’ learning.
Thank you for your continued cooperation and support. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the school’s health department.
