We are aware of continued reports of swine flu cases across the United States; and of suspected cases that have prompted the temporary closing of schools in the Park City School District.

The Washington County School District developed a pandemic emergency response plan two years ago. The plan outlines actions that should be taken before, during, and after a pandemic event. On Thursday morning (April 30th), School District officials met with all school principals to review the readiness aspects of the plan, which include:

* Increasing disease-prevention practices such as hand-washing, use of hand-sanitizer, and cleaning,
* Ensuring that emergency contact numbers are current,
* Monitoring and reporting potential cases of flu to the public health department, and
* Keeping parents and staff informed,
* Preparing student homework plans that could be implemented via paper-packets and the internet if schools are temporarily closed.

In a pandemic emergency the authority to restrict public gatherings, including attending school is vested with the public health department. It is the intent of the Washington County School District to comply with all their directives.

At the present time there are no confirmed cases of flu in our schools and all schools are open and operating.

A key aspect of the response process is the prompt and accurate distribution of information. The Washington County School District webpage will be a primary information source www.washk12.org. Information will also be shared with local newspaper, radio, and television stations.