Health Alert – Coronavirus Prevention at SSIS

Dear Faculty and Staff,

The message below will be sent out to our families today. At this time, there are no confirmed cases of Coronavirus reported in Vietnam; however, we want to take appropriate preventative measures, as a school, to keep our faculty, staff, students and their families safe. We will keep you updated on this matter. In the meantime, please take time to read the message below and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

All good wishes,

Catriona

Dear SSIS Parents,

 Happy Lunar New Year and a prosperous and healthy 2020!

 At this time, we would like to raise your awareness of the respiratory illness, Coronavirus (Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV). Although no known cases have been confirmed in Vietnam, we want to let you know that we are already taking a series of preventative measures, as a school, to keep our families safe. 

 Coronavirus is an infectious disease that recently started in Wuhan, China. There have been confirmed cases in several other countries. More detailed information about the virus can be obtained at the website of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention CDC and the World Health Organization WHO. 

 SSIS Prevention Measures

Currently, SSIS is working closely with International SOS personnel, our medical assist consultants, who are keeping us updated on all matters related to this illness. 

 While the SSIS campus is closed over the holiday break, there will be a deep cleanse of all areas. We will continue to meticulously clean and disinfect all learning spaces on a regular basis.

 Prior to the school start on January 29, all faculty and staff will be briefed on the measures for prevention, detection, and address of infectious diseases. We will monitor students’ health and remind them of effective health and hygiene habits, including coughing and sneezing etiquette, and proper hand washing. 

 Students demonstrating signs of illness will be immediately referred to the school nurses.

 School Start, Wednesday, January 29 

We would like to remind you to not send your child to school, when school resumes on Wednesday, January 29, if he/she is showing any signs of illness. You should seek immediate treatment for your child, if he/she demonstrates symptoms such as:

• fever (>37.8º);

• cough or runny nose;

• shortness of breath;

• or breathing difficulties. 

Do not send your child to school until he or she is fully healthy. If your child is demonstrating Coronavirus or flu-like symptoms, please notify the school nurse so that we can take appropriate follow-up action.

For those traveling elsewhere                    

We know that many of our families are traveling to various destinations around the world during the holidays, where you may be exposed to infectious germs or diseases. 

 The following advice is provided by International SOS for all travelers:

• Do not visit wet markets or farms.

• Keep some distance from people who are obviously sick.

• Maintain good personal hygiene.

• Wash your hands frequently. Carry hand sanitizer for use when soap and water are not available.

• Avoid touching your face.

• Avoid direct contact with animals (live or dead) and their environment. Do not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with droppings.

• Ensure food, including eggs, is thoroughly cooked.

• Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms, especially fever or shortness of breath.

• Do not travel if you are sick – note that some locations have implemented screening, and travelers may face quarantine and testing.

 If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Wai Mun Fong (Deputy Head of School) at wfong@ssis.edu.vn or me at hos@ssis.edu.vn. Thank you for your support and cooperation in ensuring that SSIS is a safe and healthy environment for all of our students.

Sincerely,

 Dr. Catriona Moran
Head of School