flu

Latest releases on H1N1 by the provincial government and MTS:

Can teachers refuse to come to work because of concerns about H1N1 in school?

Unless there has been an official school closure by a public health authority, employees will be expected to attend school unless they are sick or on an approved leave. The direction with come from the Minster of Education based on consultation with health officials.

In legislation, teachers have the right to refuse work that they believe may endanger their health and safety or the health and safety of other workers. They can also refuse if the unsafe conditions are a result of the employer not taking “all reasonable precautions” for the protection of the teacher and other workers.

However, this work refusal should only be undertaken if there is reasonable concern. The procedures set out in the law must be followed. A worker who engages in a work refusal must always remain at the workplace in a safe location. If you believe that specific conditions at your school are endangering “life, health, and safety”, you should contact your local association or call an MTS Staff Officer at 1-800-262-8803 or 204-888-7961.

MTS advocates cautious, common sense approach to H1N1

When it comes to limiting the effect of the H1N1 flu on Manitoba’s schools, Minister of Education Peter Bjornson says the key is to be prepared.

“We have had a meeting with all the stakeholders to discuss what our strategy will be. The health department will, of course, take the lead on that, but we’ve been at the table with the health department. We will continue to work with Chief Medical Officer and the health department should situations arise where there are unusual levels of absenteeism in schools. Schools are aware to watch for that.”

Society President Pat Isaak advocates a cautious and common sense approach with respect to H1N1.

“There is no one-size-fits all solution to H1N1 and its effect on schools. Continuous consultation and communication are essential to managing this issue. The most important thing that teachers can do to limit the spread of H1N1 is to follow the advice of health professionals. Teachers should practice hand hygiene, cover their coughs and stay home when they are ill,” said Isaak.

Bjornson’s advice for teachers: “The rule of thumb is that if they have any symptoms that they stay home, encourage their students to do so and to make sure that they’re diligent in washing their hands and covering their mouth when they sneeze. Basic advice on good hygiene practices. I know from my own experience as a teacher that a bug can spread very quickly in the classroom, so just be diligent in your own personal health and your own personal health care.”

Bjornson also said if students are exhibiting flu-like symptoms, teachers will have to do their best to have those children return home and stay home.

“But I know that happens all the time in our schools, where children come with some flu bug. Teachers will just have to be diligent with the spread of H1N1 to ensure they do reach parents or secondary child care to get that child out of the school.”

The department has forwarded information about H1N1 to all school principals and superintendents. These documents including, H1N1 Flu: Background information and guidance for school administrators and staff are available in the column at the left.

The government is encouraging teachers to make infection prevention part of the classroom learning experience, including educating their students on good hygiene practices and posting age appropriate signage about cough and sneeze etiquette. The department of education is also asking parents to have back-up plans for child care should their child get sick during school hours.

Every school division has been asked to have a pandemic plan ready by Sept. 4 and schools are being encouraged to have their own pandemic plans. A pandemic plan outlines how organizational issues will be addressed in the event of a pandemic.

Currently, public health officials are not recommending school closures. They say there is no evidence that this would limit the spread of the virus. Students would just congregate elsewhere if schools were closed.

“Any decision to order school closures would involve careful consideration of the specific situation at that time, taking into account the spread and severity of the virus within Manitoba, as well as recommendations from the Public Health Agency of Canada, and other jurisdictions. In the event that the public health risk is considered sufficient to warrant closing a school or group of schools, direction will come from the Minister of Education, Citizenship and Youth, who will provide such direction based on consultation with the Chief Provincial Public Health Officer and/or the regional medical officer of health.” (see “H1N1 Flu: Background information and guidance for school administrators and staff”.

Over the summer, the Society heard concerns from pregnant teachers and those with pre-existing health conditions who are at greater risk of complications if they contract H1N1. The Society raised this issue with Bjornson.

“Health has been working with my department and there is an incident command team that has been discussing that issue to see what guidelines and information can be provided and we are awaiting that direction. It is certainly something that has been raised with the department. We are very much aware of those concerns,” said Bjornson.

For teachers who have fears about the implications of the H1N1 virus, MTS is advising pregnant teachers and those with pre-existing health conditions to consult their medical professional as soon as possible. More information is available in the Public Health Agency of Canada Information Bulletin “Pregnancy and the H1N1 Flu Virus”, also available on the MTS website.

In discussions with government, MTS has also raised the issue of vaccinations. MTS believes those who work in schools should have priority access to a flu shot once it is available and if staff chooses to be vaccinated. However, no MTS member should be required to have a flu shot.

The Society has also asked whether schools will be used for public vaccinations. According to Minster Bjornson, schools could be used as vaccine sites in worse case scenarios.

“We will make sure that we have all the protocols in place and do everything we can to assuage everyone’s concerns about the process, about the need to do so. It’s something again that we will need to make sure we are working with our partners and they are fully briefed on what we might have to do if there was a worse case scenario outbreak.”