Actions CAPA is currently taking to prevent spread of the H1N1 Virus (Swine flu):
1. Cleaners have been asked to clean all door handles/keyboards/phones every night in addition to a thorough clean of all surfaces.
2. CAPA staff will clean door handles one other time during the day.
3. Hand sanitizer and tissues will be provided at reception and in classrooms.
4. Students will be given information at their orientation on appropriate hygiene – washing hands regularly, covering one’s nose and mouth with the arm or a tissue when sneezing or coughing and disposing of the tissue immediately (Catch it! Bin it! Kill it!) This will also be sent out in reminder form throughout the term.
5. Students exhibiting the major symptoms including fever and cough will be asked to miss class and stay at home.
6. CAPA will constantly keep abreast of the most recent updates on the H1N1 pandemic from sources such as the World Health Organization and will pass on the relevant information and advice immediately to our students.
Staffing Issues:
1. If a member of staff is ill with a suspected case of swine flu, they should call their manager each day to check in and advise of their status.
2. Based on government guidelines, staff with suspected swine flu should stay at home for 7 days to prevent the spread of the virus. However, once the symptoms ease up which is usually after a couple of days, staff should work from home. Staff should advise their manager if they do not have the facilities at their home to do this and their manager will ensure there is a CAPA laptop available for them to use. In the meantime, staff should arrange with IT to have LAN access added to their personal computers or laptops. They should work with their RD to make this happen.
3. Should the center become inoperable due to extreme staff shortages as a result of the swine flu pandemic, the center will close in consultation with London head office senior management. Should this occur, the following actions would be required:
• Dr. McKenzie, CAPA’s Chief Academic Officer, to be consulted on the impact closure will have on the academic program and how students will be able to make up missed class time
• Memo to students and faculty in-country informing them of the closure and how they will make up their class time
• A website announcement noting the need for the closure and how students will make up their class time • Memos to institutions whose students are affected
• CAPA’s goal will be to keep centers open wherever possible and London head office senior management should be consulted to identify replacement staff for centers affected
Student issues:
1. Swine flu will be covered during orientation and information will be provided on how to prevent the spread of the virus as well as contact details for health organizations to contact should they suspect they have swine flu – these organizations will be able to provide the most up to date advice directly to the student.
2. Also at orientation, it will be noted that so far swine flu has only mild symptoms, similar to the seasonal flu. They will be assured that there is no reason to panic should they or a fellow student come down with swine flu. In most cases, bed rest, drinking plenty of water and over the counter flu medicine is all that is needed.
3. CAPA is not in a position to give refunds if someone cancels before their program is due to start or once their program has begun for any reason related to swine flu. If the student is too ill to travel, they should contact World Student Insurance for trip cancellation compensation.
4. If more than ten students become ill as a result of suspected swine flu, the London head office senior management team should be consulted as to whether a short-term center closure is warranted. Dr. McKenzie will need to be consulted regarding the impact to the academic program as will the visiting faculty for any faculty-led programs.
5. If any activities or events that are part of the program need to be cancelled, senior management to advise on any refunds available for those events.
