H1N1 Pandemic Plan

Introduction 

The faculty and staff at Steinbach Bible College acknowledge that an H1N1 influenza outbreak may occur during the academic year. It is our desire to:

H1N1 is a respiratory illness that causes symptoms similar to those of the regular human seasonal flu.  The symptoms include fever, fatigue, and lack of appetite, coughing and sore throat.  Some people with H1N1 influenza have also reported vomiting and diarrhea.

Influenza and other respiratory infections are transmitted from person to person when germs enter the nose and/or throat. Coughs and sneezes release germs into the air where they can be breathed in by others. Germs can also rest on hard surfaces like counters and doorknobs, where they can be picked up on hands and transmitted to the respiratory system when someone touches their mouth and/or nose.

Our Response

In order to protect our students, SBC has developed a three-pronged approach in addressing a potential H1N1 threat. 

Awareness

We believe that a key component of this approach is making our faculty, staff, and students aware of how the H1N1 virus is spread and of preventative measures that can be taken. We also believe awareness will minimize the spread of the virus. To promote awareness SBC will:

• Provide on-going education to our faculty, staff, and students about how to prevent the spread of the virus
• Post cough and hand washing etiquette signs in all washrooms and in public areas.

Prevention

Another important part of this approach is prevention of the spread of the virus. We believe we can minimize disruption of classes and impact to our students by:

• Providing anti-bacterial hand sanitizer in public areas
• Implementing extra sanitization measures for common areas
• Providing updates for faculty and staff at regular staff meetings
• Prompt attention by the Administration Team to any issues that may arise

Action

The third element of this approach is action steps. In the event of faculty, staff, or students becoming ill with the H1N1 virus, strategies to address various situations will be implemented. Strategies include:

• The creation of a Crisis Response Team to address any issues that arise from a widespread outbreak.
• A written plan to lead us in addressing H1N1 should an outbreak occur.
• A commitment to communication with our faculty and staff, as well as our students and their parents in a concise and understandable manner. 
• Encouragement to you as parents to stay in communication with your child and to check our website (www.sbcollege.ca) regularly for updates and information.