Pandemic Response Guide
We want our families to be healthy, both physically and mentally, during changing and uncertain times. To ensure pubic confidence and to provide peace of mine, during times of wide-spread illness in our community, we've provided our Pandemic Response Guide for the public for reference.
During any type of pandemic, the UCDSB works closely with public health officials any acts on their recommendations and advice.
UCDSB Pandemic Guidelines Specific Actions
Step 1 - Preventative
Surveillance
- Regular monitoring of the Upper Canada District School Board’s communities assists the public health and may mitigate the effects of any influenza spread.
- All schools should contact the local health unit with updates on absenteeism over 10%.
- At 10% absenteeism facilities operations managers will direct staff at an affected school / facility to deploy such cleaning and other operation as appropriate based on the guidance of the local health unit or other authorities, as needed.
Education
- Teaching students and staff on the importance of frequent and effective handwashing is vital to control of all infectious diseases.
- Encouraging staff and students to attend flu vaccination clinics as part of their regular health routine is vital.
Step 2 - Control(s)
- The Operations & Maintenance has revised and reviewed their cleaning practices in relation to viral containment. The custodian mentor leaders have received enhanced infection control procedures.
- However, all employees would be advised to recognize that common phones, photocopy machines, toys, door handles etc. can contain pathogens and are sources of both contamination and spread. Wiping/cleaning with sanitizing cleaners will assist us with controls.
Step 3 - Reinforcement
- Since flu outbreaks tend to be cyclical with gaps between events, it is useful to remind all our communities of the potential for outbreaks early in the fall.
- Reinforcement of good handwashing techniques is vital to containment.
- Viruses can live (untreated) on surfaces for 48-72 hours. Therefore, even with enhanced cleaning employees must be encouraged to show vigilance.
Step 4 - Action
- Convene Pandemic Response Task Force.
- Small clusters in localized communities may be obvious. Parents are encouraged to find alternative day care options.
- Some schools may be closed to community use.
- Facilities will be monitoring cleaning practices at some sites.
- Needed supplies will be confirmed with suppliers as the possibility of shortages may occur.
- Human Resources staff will be monitoring the availability deployment of staff
Step 5 - Action
- Supplies may be stockpiled.
- Community use of schools may be restricted.
- Relevant agencies will be informed e.g. E.A.P.
Step 6 - Action
- All or specific schools to be closed subject to the direction of the Medical Health Officer.
- Access to premises will be restricted.
Step 7 - Evaluation
- The importance of reviewing procedures and responses can not be over emphasized.
- Surveys of the district’s response in an emergency can be vital in ensuring future responses.
- Reassurance of the district’s school communities will be vital to a post pandemic phase.
- Recognition that students and staff may be grieving and need of support during this phase.