School administrators in Beijing waiting to take students’ temperatures as they enter school.
Precautions against H1N1 are not as obvious in Beijing as they were in Hong Kong, but at Elisa’s school, the administration is being vigilant – and rightfully so. At the orientation the week before school opened, the Principal announced that every person – students, teachers, parents and guests alike– would have their temperatures taken upon entering the school. Students would also undergo a second temperature check later in the day.
If a student shows an above average temperature at either of the checks, he must either stay away from the school for one week or return with a doctor’s note stating he does not have Swine Flu. The school administrators are not completely sure what they will do if a student comes down with the flu – and were open in saying the government may determine that for them. Just in case, they already have a “learn from home” program in place for the older grades.
Although it’s odd to see my daughter have her temperature taken as she boards the bus each morning – and then awarded a sticker indicating she is fever free – I am happy the school is being proactive and thinking in advance about how to avoid an epidemic.
My Chinese tutor told me today that a university north of the city has already shut down due to Swine Flu, and tonight at an open house, a parent told me she heard a nearby local school has also closed. I’m not sure whether or not these rumors are true, but according to the <i>International Herald Tribune,</i> the Chinese government has reported over 5,000 cases of Swine Flu in the country (but so far no deaths). We are crossing our fingers and hoping for the best.