From: School closures during the 2009 influenza pandemic: national and local experiences
Area | Description |
---|---|
Pandemic planning | Ensure that school closures (as a public health intervention or due to large absenteeism in schools) is included in generic pandemic planning. |
Triggers | Agree on triggers for proactive and reactive closures in a pandemic and how they would be operated at the local level. |
National decision making | Prepare arrangements for national decision-making on school closures and how adjoining counties would apply these. |
Mitigating adverse effects | Develop arrangements for mitigating the adverse impact of school closures notably for alternative care arrangements and continuing education. |
Special schools | Consider how special schools would be included in these arrangements. |
Communication | Develop communication plans and materials for school staff, parents and the media. |
Local planning | Ensure there are robust local plans for closures across complex school systems and exercise these plans on occasions for pandemic and other emergencies (such as extreme weather). |