The Delhi government has directed schools in the Capital to issue an advisory on swine flu and display public notices about the respiratory disease on their notice boards.
“All heads of government, government-aided, and unaided recognised schools are directed to display the message, enclosed as ‘public notice’, on notice boards to educate students on the symptoms of swine flu and precautions to be taken,” a circular issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE) said.
“During morning assembly, children should be made aware of the do’s and don’ts with respect to the H1N1 virus. They should be encouraged to practise personal hygiene. Lastly, children with flu symptoms should be advised to stay home until they are completely cured,” it said.
It also asked the schools to display the list of facilities, including hospitals and laboratories, where treatment for the H1N1 influenza virus is available.
“For students of Class I to VIII, competitions like slogan writing, poster making, and debate may be organised at school-level to create awareness of swine flu and importance of hand washing,” the circular further said.
Dr. K K Aggarwal, president, Heart Care Foundation of India, suggested an awareness drive in schools. At an event, he said, “With the surge in swine flu cases, it is essential that awareness be raised of its prevention, especially among schoolchildren, who run the risk of contracting the disease from their schoolmates. Prevention involves taking precautionary steps while coughing, and maintaining hand hygiene.”
Meanwhile, the Delhi government has decided to double the number of hospital beds to step up preparedness against swine flu, which experts say will see a rise as temperature dips. Two people have succumbed to the disease in the Capital this season.
Swine flu had assumed epidemic proportions last season and continued till mid-April this year, afflicting over 4,259 people and claiming 12 lives in the city.
(With inputs from Bindu Shajan Perappadan)
