Update on Coronavirus and return to school on Wednesday, January 29

Dear Faculty and Staff,

I again wish everyone a healthy, happy Year of the Rat. 

School will resume on Wednesday, January 29 and I wish to update you on some new health safety protocols in place at SSIS from Wednesday morning to address concerns arising from Coronavirus.

I am very sorry for all of the people who are sick, and those who have lost lives around the world, because of this novel and deadly virus. And, I’m very grateful to the School Leadership Team (SLT) members who cut short their vacation to ensure that you, our students, and our families are safe. What a dedicated and caring team!

Today, WaiMun and I met with representatives from International SOS (who will be our chief health advisers throughout this process) and the SLT met all after-noon to plan for health and safety measures on campus on Wednesday, and beyond. We will err on the side of caution.

You will receive more detail on the school-wide protocol tomorrow. However, these are some key points:

1. Starting on Wednesday, we will initiate temperature taking for everyone entering campus. As this is a new procedure, it will take additional time so please arrive 15 minutes earlier on Wednesday morning.

2. Anyone with a fever (temperature over 37.8) will be isolated immediately and sent home.

3. You will see additional hand sanitizers and/or hand soap in every classroom and around campus to encourage frequent hand-washing.

4. You will also see posters around school encouraging healthy practices.

5. Face masks will be available for those who wish to wear one.

6. We will avoid large faculty/staff gatherings (e.g. full faculty meetings) for the foreseeable future.  We also recommend that our students and community members shy away from large group gatherings outside school within enclosed spaces.

Each day brings news about Coronavirus. As we make decisions, they will be based on the facts available, on the advice of International SOS and other health officials, and at the direction of the Ministry of Education in Vietnam. If, at any time, school closure is authorized, we are ready to continue school in a virtual classroom learning environment.

We will provide regular updates by email and enews, so please read every notice.

Thank you for your efforts to keep our community safe at this challenging time.
All good wishes,

Catriona