07/29/09
Cape superintendent, staff to join state officials in planning for possible flu outbreaks
Cape Elizabeth School Department officials are preparing for a school year that could be complicated by outbreaks of the H1N1 flu virus, popular known as swine flu.
On Aug. 20, 2009, Superintendent Alan Hawkins, along with the three school nurses employed by the School Department, will attend a conference to help develop a statewide plan for managing potential outbreaks.
The conference, arranged by the state Centers for Disease Control, Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Education, will include other national, local and state health officials and representatives.
The "Superintendent's Blog" section of the School Department Web site includes an update from Hawkins on H1N1 flu precautions. "Throughout the summer I have worked closely with the CDC, Cumberland County Emergency Preparedness, and several other agencies to remain current on the status of the flu," the July 28, 2009 blog entry says. "The three school nurses have also remained current on the situation and we are preparing for the opening of school this fall."
In a telephone interview, Hawkins said he became interested in attending the Maine H1N1 Influenza Preparedness Summit not only for Cape Elizabeth's sake, but also in his role as president of the Cumberland County Superintendents' Association.
The summit is intended to help Maine prepare for possible escalation of H1N1 outbreaks this fall, and to plan for a statewide H1N1 vaccination campaign once a vaccine becomes available.
"As the opening day of school comes closer, updated information will be provided to all members of the community," Hawkins says in his blog. "In the meantime, the most important advice is to follow the nurse’s instruction of the spring and be sure your children protect themselves from open sneezing and coughing and to wash they hands regularly throughout the day."
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