Management of Influenza A (H1N1)

Wow....this sounds scary:

· SEMESTER 2, AY2008/2009 EXAMINATIONS – TEMPERATURE SCREENING

· SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

1. As you may already know, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised the alert level to Phase 5. Phase 5 is characterized by human-to-human spread of the virus to at least two countries in one WHO region. While most countries will not be affected at this stage, the declaration of Phase 5 is a strong signal that the pandemic is imminent. Even though as of today, there are no human cases of Influenza A (H1N1) in Singapore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has upgraded the Disease Outbreak Response System Alert status from Yellow to Orange. This is because the Ministry feels that there is a real possibility that such cases may surface in Singapore.

2. In view of the heightened alert status, the Ministry of Education has advised that the University begin daily temperature-taking for staff, students and visitors to the University. In addition, we will also be required to declare our recent travel history.

Semester 2, AY2008/2009 Examinations: Temperature Screening

3. While examinations will continue as scheduled from 4 to 8 May 2009, all students must first pass the temperature screening before being allowed entry into the examination venue.

4. All examination venues will be opened from one hour prior to the start time of each scheduled examination. You should plan to arrive as early as possible within this hour for temperature screening. To help expedite this process, you are strongly encouraged to bring your own thermometer for this exercise.

5. Upon passing the screening, you will be allowed into the examination rooms to await the start of the examination.

6. You are required to cooperate fully with the screeners. In this respect, please volunteer information on your recent travel history. This is especially significant for those who have recently returned, or have come into contact with those who have recently arrived/returned, from Mexico and/or other affected areas. For the most up-to-date list of affected areas, please refer to MOH’s website at www.moh.gov.sg.

Social Responsibility

Updating of Personal Particulars

7. For the purpose of contact tracing should the need arise, please update your contact and next-of-kin details.

8. You would also have noticed that since 30 April 2009, invigilators have been going around during each examination session to verify your Singapore contact details as they mark your attendance.

Importance of Personal Hygiene

9. The Influenza A (H1N1) virus is infectious and can be transmitted even before those infected begin displaying visible symptoms. The infectious period can vary but may begin at least a week before the onset of symptoms.

10. To help prevent the possible spread of influenza, please pay special attention to the following:

· Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue into the trash after use.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

· Stay in general good health.

Travel Advisory

11.The University has suspended all official travel for staff and students from 30 April to 15 May 2009. With the rapid evolution of the situation, this restriction will be reviewed in a timely manner.

12. Students who are returning from Mexico will be issued a Home Quarantine Order by MOH. Those issued such an order will be required by law to stay at home for 7 days upon return and check themselves for symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1).

13. The University will grant Leave of Absence for students returning from other affected areas to stay at home for seven days upon return and check themselves for symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1). Immediately upon return, such students should email the Dean’s Office of their respective Faculties to declare their travel history and effect the Leave of Absence. During this self-imposed quarantine, affected students should practice social distancing and refrain from joining mass gatherings – e.g. going to the cinemas, shopping malls, or supermarkets etc.

Seeking Medical Attention

14.If you develop symptoms of influenza, such as fever (temperature > 38⁰C), cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, diarrhoea and vomiting

· within 7 days of travelling to cities where there are confirmed or suspected cases, or

· after having been in contact with sick persons who have a history of travel to these countries in the last 7 days,

you are advised to put on surgical masks and call 993 for the ambulance. You should disclose your travel history to your doctor. You must also inform the Dean’s Office of your Faculty, via email as detailed in the above paragraph, if you require hospitalisation or are given medical leave.

15.Many thanks for your cooperation in the temperature screening exercise during examinations and your continued practice of social responsibility thereafter. This is an important measure to assure students of a safe examination environment and to safeguard the health of our community.

Ang Siau Gek

Assoc Prof and Registrar