Statement From Governor David A. Paterson On H1N1 (Swine Flu) In New York State

May 22, 2009 -- “The State Department of Health (DOH) and State Education Department have finalized a voluntary statewide system for monitoring illness and absenteeism in schools that will enhance monitoring that has been underway since the start of the outbreak. This additional monitoring is designed to identify situations that may warrant additional State level attention. It will supplement the data school districts already collect regarding absenteeism and support consistent and informed application of best practices on a statewide basis.

“Under the new statewide monitoring system, local school officials, in consultation with local health officials, will continue to make decisions about if and when to close schools. Since the recognition of H1N1 (swine flu) in New York State, schools have collaborated with local health departments to share information about student absenteeism and illness.

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“We continue to monitor reports of student-absenteeism and are aware of additional school closures in New York City, as well as in Nassau County, including Memorial Junior High School in the Valley Stream Central High School District and the Levittown School District. These limited school closures are due to clusters of cases that have been affected absenteeism.

“The precautionary measures we have discussed since the beginning of the outbreak continue to be the most effective measures we should all take to reduce the risk of getting or transmitting the flu:

o Wash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleansers are also effective.
o Keep hands away from your face, Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
o Avoid people who are ill, if possible.
o Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
o Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and dispose of the tissue in a covered trash bin.
o Clean shared space frequently, including steering wheels, phone receivers, keyboards, and other office equipment.
o Do not drink out of the same cup or container used by another person or share personal items, such as forks, spoons, toothbrushes and towels.

“We are also aware of recent reports of inmates with flu-like symptoms in correctional facilities. DOH is convening a workgroup to provide additional guidance and consistency in the implementation of precautions to control and prevent the transmission of H1N1 (swine flu) in local jails and the State correctional system. In addition to DOH and the State Emergency Management Office, the workgroup will include representatives from the New York State Department of Correctional Services, the New York State Commission of Corrections and the New York State Unified Court System.”

Additional information about H1N1 is available at http://www.ny.gov/h1n1/index.html.

Source: New York Governor