Pinehurst School not affected by Swine flu

Contrary to media reports earlier today, Pinehurst School has NOT had a student party visiting or returning from Mexico or through LA and has NOT been immediately affected by the Swine Flu.

Pinehurst was concerned at Minister of Health Tony Ryall’s incorrect comment to the media, stating that Pinehurst was one of 4 schools directly affected by the Swine Flu. In fact, Pinehurst has two students returning from the unaffected area of Argentina and has NO school students or parties who have had any direct contact with Mexico.

Administrative staff at Pinehurst is taking the necessary precautions to ensure minimal impact from the incorrect reports. Staff, students, parents and the Ministry of Health have also been contacted directly nd advised that no student has been visiting Mexico during the period of concern.

Executive Principal of Pinehurst, Sherida Penman Walters is taking an extremely vigilant approach to the Swine Flu with staff contacting parents and students to see if anyone who is currently away or has recently returned from overseas has visited the areas of concern.

“Although we’re disappointed that Pinehurst has been misreported in the news causing unnecessary stress to our staff, we’ve been given a great opportunity to ensure our crisis communication plans are solid, which has allowed us to start executing some of these procedures as a precautionary measure, says Penman Walters.

Penman Walters also points out how the teaching staff are instructing students on the appropriate health and safety measures while administration staff is contacting families of children that are known to have travelled during school holidays to ensure no stones have been left unturned.

“Anyone returning from the areas of concern is being asked to stay at home for a minimum of 3 days to ensure no flu like symptoms develop while all staff has been asked to ensure anyone displaying flu or cold like symptoms is sent home immediately until they are clear.

ENDS

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