Health Dept About Face: Rye “Swine Flu” Country Day Can Open – Forget Two Week Closure
Westchester County health officials, pawning the reversal off on state and federal officials, said Rye Country Day School could re-open immediately. Just yesterday they "requested" the school be closed for two weeks. Perhaps these guys could smell the fear they were dealing out to Rye and Westchester by announcing a two week closing…
And although Rye received the gold, silver and bronze metals for Swine Flu cases #1, #2 and #3 in Westchester and although we for good measure we took spot #4 as well, we are finally not alone. Tukahoe has taken Swine Flu spot #5.
We don't wish H1N1 on anyone, but we are happy Rye did not "place" again in the Westchester swine flu H1N1 race.
This entire thing is a bummer. Go wash your hands.
Here is the news from the zig-zag change'em up county health officials:
“As of 2 p.m. today, state and federal health authorities advised local health departments that because cases of swine flu in the U.S. have been comparable to seasonal flu, there is no need to close schools,’’ Dr. Lipsman said. “I know the changing advice has caused confusion and posed a disruption and hardship to families and I sincerely regret that. My earlier recommendation and this announcement have been based on the latest information available to us from state and federal health authorities.
“Anyone who visits, plays sports at or otherwise is in close contact with Rye Country Day School students can continue their usual routine without hesitation,’’ Lipsman said. “The best way to prevent getting flu-like symptoms, whether H1N1 or regular seasonal flu, is to cover your mouth when you cough, wash your hands thoroughly and often, avoid being near anyone who has such symptoms and stay home if you have a fever over 100 degrees along with a cough, runny nose or congestion until you are clear of such symptoms.’’
Westchester County also has been notified of another probable case of swine (H1N1) flu. This is the first probable case of swine flu in an adult. The person is a 25-year-old Tuckahoe man who has been recovering at home since April 27 and is doing well. He is otherwise healthy. He was in Cancun, Mexico from April 17 to 24 and developed mild flu-like symptoms on April 27, and was not hospitalized. He was tested prior to current guidelines limiting testing to hospitalized individuals or clusters of illnesses with risk factor for swine flu.
This brings the Westchester total to three probable cases and two confirmed cases. The two other probable cases involve two students at the Rye Country Day School and the two confirmed cases involve two children from Rye public schools. The Health Department will not release further information about these individuals to protect their privacy.
The county is awaiting confirmation of all three probable cases from the CDC. When the Westchester County Department of Laboratories and Research has had five probable swine flu cases confirmed by the CDC the laboratory will then be certified to confirm H1N1 cases itself.
The CDC has determined that this swine flu virus is spreading from person to person and is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu – mainly through coughing or sneezing of infected people. To help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like flu:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
For more information, go to www.westchestergov.com/health or call the Health Department at (914) 813-5000 or the state Health Department Hotline at (800) 808-1987."
