Over the last days and weeks, the school has been carefully monitoring the situation with regard to the developing situation with regard to the spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19. We are in touch with the appropriate authorities (Sohar Aluminium doctors, the Director of Sohar Hospital, the Ministry of Health) and are gaining advice. Whilst this situation is concerning it is important that we react in a calm manner. Please help your children understand that the risk to healthy individuals is relatively low and that, compared with existing illnesses such as ‘flu, the current infection level is also at a low level.
That having been said, cross infection is an obvious concern in schools and so we would like to inform you of the current advice. It is as follows:
- Ensure that you follow the most effective practices for prevention of cross contamination. These include:
- Frequent, thorough hand washing,
- Coughing into the crook of your elbow,
- Limiting contact with people who are infected,
- Staying home when sick.
If any member of your close family exhibits the symptoms associated with the virus (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html) please go immediately to the hospital to get checked. In this case, DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL. Instead, self isolate and wait until the doctors tell you it is safe to return to school.
The Ministry of Health have clear and effective measures in place to monitor the health of individuals coming from abroad. However, if you have been travelling to other countries, please be especially cautious and self report any symptoms. The health professionals are best placed to make judgements in this regard.
Again, if there is any doubt the health of your child, please keep them at home. Absence, in this situation will be considered ‘excused’ by the school.
As this is a fast moving situation, we will post further updates if and when appropriate.