H1N1 Update from Emergency Preparedness Program, Supreme Council of Health - January 31, 2010
The College continues to monitor H1N1 flu activity nationwide and within the local community and has taken a number of measures.
An H1N1 Pandemic Steering Committee consisting of Christine Bolan, Dean of Health Sciences, Mary Clancy, College Nurse, Gayle Holmes, Manager, Human Resources, Dorm Chipp, Dean of Student Affairs, and myself was struck and the following actions have occurred:
- An information awareness brochure has been developed to be distributed to all staff and to students upon registration.
- Hand Wash Dispensers have been installed throughout the College.
- Contact has been made with the Supreme Council of Health, Hamad Hospital and other health agencies to discuss strategies, access to vaccine and flu shots for CNA-Q employees.
- Continued communications and dialogue with other education institutions to ensure consistency.
CNA-Q offered the seasonal flu vaccine again this semester and Qatar has now procured a supply of H1N1 vaccine available at most Health Centres (see link below for Qatar Health Centre information). Dissemination of the H1N1 vaccine will be coordinated through the Supreme Council of Health & Hamad Medical Corporation.
It is too early to know how widespread or how serious this outbreak will become, so it is too early to know what effects the flu outbreak might have on the College’s operations in the coming weeks. While continuing to monitor local government agencies, and preparing for specific measures depending on the situation, CNA-Q will continue to operate educational activities as usual.
The key is prevention and maintaining good hygiene measures. If you do feel you are ill and should stay home, please follow normal procedures required for an absence from work or missing classes. We will continue to keep you informed through emails and visible announcements on CNA-Q’s home page.
Enid Strickland, M.Ed.,
Acting President