H1N1 (swine flu) Alerts
Last updated 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 27, 2009
H1N1 Information for People Living in Contra Costa County
H1N1 flu is still present in our community and everyone is urged to get vaccinated. This is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community. More than 389,000 doses of H1N1 flu vaccine have been delivered to providers (including Kaiser, hospitals, Public Health, community clinics, pediatricians, ob/gyns and family practice doctors) throughout Contra Costa. Everyone is encouraged to check first with their health care providers to get H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine. Vaccine is also available at some chain pharmacies.
H1N1 flu vaccine (shots and nasal spray) are still available for free as
supplies last at
Concord Public Health Immunization Clinic,
2355 Stanwell Circle, Concord
1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays
Vaccine also will be available starting in February in Richmond and Pittsburg.
For more info on where to get H1N1 flu vaccine:
http://cchealth.org/topics/swine_flu/vaccination.php or call
1-888-959-9911.
Last updated 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 11, 2009
Information for People Living in Contra Costa County
More than 320,000 doses of H1N1 flu vaccine have been delivered to providers (including Kaiser, hospitals, Public Health, community clinics, pediatricians, ob/gyns and family practice doctors) throughout Contra Costa. Everyone is encouraged to check first with their health care providers to get H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine. Vaccine is being distributed by the state directly to providers who have ordered the vaccine. Providers will continue to receive regular shipments of vaccine, and it is expected that there will eventually be enough for everyone who wants to receive it. Contra Costa Health Services appreciates your patience as they undertake this effort and will provide updates as soon as new information becomes available.
Last updated 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, December 22, 2009
H1N1 Vaccine Now Open to Everyone at Contra Costa Public Health Flu Clinics
WHAT: Anyone ages 6 months and older can now get free H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine at Public Health vaccination clinics in December while supplies last. The priority group requirements have been lifted because more vaccine is available.
WHEN & WHERE:
Martinez, 30 Muir Road
Pittsburg, 186 East Leland, Veteran's Building
Richmond, 256 24th Street
Lafayette, 952 Moraga Road, old library building
Dates & Times:
Mondays, noon to 4 p.m., December 21 & 28
Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., December 22 & 29
Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., December 23 & 30
WHO: Clinics are intended for people living in Contra Costa County.
Only people older than 6 months of age who are not allergic to eggs can receive vaccine.
Information is subject to change based on vaccine availability. Check www.cchealth.org or call 1-888-959-9911 before visiting a flu clinic.
Last updated 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 15, 2009
H1N1 Flu Vaccine Lots Recall Information
The H1N1 flu vaccine lots recalled today by the federal Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention have NOT been used at any of the Contra Costa Public Health community H1N1 flu vaccination clinics or at any of the ongoing Public Health vaccination clinics being held through
December
in Contra Costa County.
More info on the recall:
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/syringes_qa.htm
Last updated 3:49 p.m. Thursday, December 10, 2009
Contra Costa to Hold Additional H1N1 Flu Vaccination Clinics
WHAT: Contra Costa Public Health will hold free ongoing H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccination walk-in clinics at four location through December while supplies last. Priority groups have been expanded based on the local vaccine supply and guidance from the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention.
WHERE & WHEN: Locations:
- Martinez, 30 Muir Road; Pittsburg, 186 East Leland, veteran’s building;
- Richmond, 256 24th Street; and Lafayette, 952 Moraga Road, old library building
Dates & Times:
- Mondays, noon to 4 p.m., December 14, 21 & 28
- Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., December 15, 22 & 29
- Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., December 16, 23 & 30
- Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., December 17
- Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., December 18
WHO: H1N1 vaccine (shot form) is available for:
- Pregnant women
- Anyone ages 6 months through 24 years
- Adults 25 years and older with chronic medical conditions
- People who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months of age (parents, siblings and daycare providers)
- Chronic medical conditions include asthma, heart disease, diabetes as well as neurologic disorders and weakened immune systems.
Seasonal flu vaccine is available for:
- Anyone 4 years of age and older (shots)
- All healthy people ages 2 to 49 years (nasal)
Second doses of flu vaccine will also be available for children at these clinics.
Children under 10 years need two doses of H1N1 flu vaccine. Children under 9 need two doses of seasonal flu vaccine if receiving it for the first time.
Information is subject to change based on vaccine availability. Check www.cchealth.org or call 1-888-959-9911 for recorded updates before visiting a clinic.
Last updated 3:00 p.m. Friday, December 4, 2009
CCCOE begins Distribution of Personal Protective Equipment to Help Local Schools Combat Flu Emergency
PLEASANT HILL, Calif., December 4, 2009—Today, the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) delivered ear-loop-surgical masks for students attending the county’s 18 school districts, as well as the CCCOE’s schools and classrooms. The CCCOE is joining California’s other 57 County offices of education in this statewide distribution of the personal protective equipment.
The California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) received two federal grants to purchase more than 23 million masks and gloves for California schools. One grant was used to purchase respirator masks (commonly known as an N95 respirator) and gloves, and to ship the supplies to 58 county offices of education and the Los Angeles Unified School District. The other grant funds were used to purchase the ear loop surgical masks. Thanks to the two grants, there will be no costs to schools or the county for these supplies.
The CCCOE is expecting our county’s allotment of the N95 respirators and gloves in the very near future, which then, the agency will again immediately deliver the supplies to the county’s school districts, for use in their schools and classrooms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Education jointly issued guidance for schools regarding the H1N1 influenza pandemic. The guidance stresses that the best way to prevent the spread of viruses is by staying home if you are sick, covering your coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing your hands frequently, and getting the flu vaccines if possible.
The guidance also recommends the use of personal protective equipment in situations when a student becomes ill while at school. The guidance states that students who appear to have influenza-like illness should be sent to a supervised sick room separate from others until they can leave the school campus. CDC recommends that the ill person wear a surgical mask, if they can tolerate it. The CDC guidance also recommends that school nurses or other school staff who are caring for ill students should wear gloves and an N95 respirator.
For more guidelines, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/schools/schoolguidance.htm.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today talked about the multiagency effort to distribute millions of protective masks and gloves to schools throughout California to help prevent and mitigate the spread of the H1N1 influenza virus and other influenza outbreaks. "We want to keep students, teachers, and staff healthy and in school," O'Connell said. "In order to prevent the spread of disease, the federal H1N1 guidance for schools calls for the use of personal protective equipment in situations in which a student becomes ill while on campus. Thanks to federal grant funding, we can provide masks and gloves called for in the guidance to schools free of charge. Procuring and distributing this personal protective equipment for use in California public schools is truly a statewide effort that required the help and generosity of our county offices of education, several state agencies, and private shipping companies. I want to thank all of the partners in this effort who are helping to protect the health of our students and school staff."
The federal government proclaimed a public health emergency earlier this year following outbreaks of the non-seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses in Mexico and the United States. The Governor followed suit and proclaimed a State of Emergency on April 28 in California. This paved the way for state agencies to acquire the masks and gloves. For schools seeking more information and guidance on the flu and H1N1 viruses, please visit http://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/re/ht/yr09h1n1.asp.
Last updated 12:20 p.m. Friday, December 4, 2009
H1N1 Flu Vaccine
UPDATE: H1N1 Vaccine Priority Groups Have Been Expanded
More than 130,000 doses of H1N1 flu vaccine have been delivered to providers (including Kaiser, hospitals, Public Health, community clinics, pediatricians, ob/gyns and family practice doctors) throughout Contra Costa. Everyone is encouraged to check first with their health care providers to get H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine. Vaccine is being distributed by the state directly to providers who have ordered the vaccine. Certain priority groups will be eligible to receive H1N1 vaccine at Contra Costa Health Services Community Flu clinics. We will continue to receive regular shipments of vaccine, and it is expected that there will eventually be enough for everyone who wants to receive it. We appreciate your patience as we undertake this effort and will provide updates as soon as new information becomes available.
Last updated 9:52 a.m. Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Contra Costa Health Services Relocates Concord Community Flu Clinic
Health Department Also Announces Rescheduled Clinic in East County
WHAT:
The community H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccination clinic planned for Saturday, November 21 at Ygnacio Valley High School in Concord has been relocated to the Sleep Train Pavilion, 2000 Kirker Pass Road in Concord. The drive-through clinic will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
An East County clinic has been rescheduled as an indoor, walk-up clinic for Sunday, December 6, at the Pittsburg Health Center, 2311 Loveridge Road in Pittsburg from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Saturday, November 21 drive-through clinic in San Ramon will be held as planned from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the PG&E San Ramon Valley Conference Center, 3301 Crow Canyon Road.
Information is subject to change. Prior to attending a clinic check Contra Costa Health Services website: www.cchealth.org or call their prerecorded phone line at 1-888-959-9911 for updates.
WHO:
H1N1 and seasonal flu injectable vaccine will be available only for the following priority groups:
H1N1 Priority Groups:
- Pregnant women
- All children ages 6 months through 4 years
- Children ages 5 through 18 years with chronic medical conditions
- People who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months of age (parents, siblings and daycare providers)
Seasonal Flu Priority Groups:
- All people 60 years and older
- Pregnant women
All people 4 years and older with chronic medical conditions
Chronic medical conditions include diseases of the lung (including asthma), heart, kidney (including diabetes) and liver, as well as neurologic disorders and immunosuppression.
Last updated 9:48 a.m. Monday, November 2, 2009
More than 80,000 doses of H1N1 (swine) flu have been delivered to providers in Contra Costa. The best place to get H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine is from your health care provider. Vaccine is being distributed by the state directly to providers who have ordered the vaccine. Certain priority groups will be eligible to receive H1N1 vaccine at Contra Costa Health Services drive-through flu clinics. Contra Costa Health Services will continue to receive regular shipments of vaccine, and it is expected that there will eventually be enough for everyone who wants to receive it. Contra Costa Health Services appreciates your patience as they undertake this effort and will provide updates as soon as new information becomes available.
The CDC has defined "priority groups" for H1N1 flu vaccine; however, whether Contra Costa Health Services will need to implement these priority groups depends on how much vaccine is available. Updates will be provided as new information develops.
Last updated 4:00 p.m. Monday, October 12, 2009
School-based Seasonal & H1N1 Flu Vaccine Clinics
Contra Costa Health Services Public Health is conducting free school-based flu clinics at school sites with 50% or more of students eligible for free/reduced lunch. These schools were selected originally because the seasonal flu vaccine is being provided by the State of California for free to low-income children. Now that H1N1 vaccine is available, it, too, is being made available at these school-based clinics.
The list of schools sites here...
Last updated 9:00 a.m. Friday, October 2, 2009
The first doses of H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine have arrived in Contra Costa and will be distributed through previously scheduled school-based clinics. Many more doses will be available by the end of October and will be distributed to providers throughout Contra Costa. Contra Costa County expects to receive enough vaccine for all those who want the vaccine.
The best place to get H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine is from your health care provider. Call ahead of time to see if they are offering either vaccine.
The CDC has defined "priority groups" for H1N1 flu vaccine; however, whether we will need to implement these priority groups depends on how much vaccine is available. Updates will be provided as new information develops.
Last updated 9:00 a.m. Friday, October 2, 2009
Information for People Living in Contra Costa County
H1N1 influenza vaccine is currently being manufactured and is being tested for safety and effectiveness. Health officials do not know when or how much H1N1 flu vaccine will be available at this time. The CDC has defined "priority groups" for H1N1 flu vaccine; however, whether we will need to implement these priority groups depends on how much vaccine is available. Updates will be provided as new information develops.
More H1N1 Vaccine Information from the CDC
CDC's H1N1 Flu Vaccine Recomendations
Last updated 9:00 a.m. Thursday, September 17, 2009
Contra Costa Health Services' "Answers to Questions about the H1N1 Flu Vaccine":
WE ARE QUICKLY approaching what will be an uncertain and unusual flu season because there are likely to be two types of flu: the regular (or seasonal) flu, and the H1N1 (swine) flu, a new virus that has caused so much concern since last April.
As of Aug. 28, Contra Costa County has seen 138 hospitalizations and six deaths from the H1N1 flu. Nationally, about 8,000 people have been hospitalized and 522 people have died.
Because the H1N1 virus is new and there is little immunity, the H1N1 flu will likely cause increased illness this fall. This will be in addition to the seasonal flu, which annually kills about 36,000 people in the United States.
Many Contra Costa County residents are concerned and have questions about the coming flu season and vaccines. While much is still unknown, here are answers to some of the most common questions.
Will the seasonal flu vaccine protect me from H1N1 flu?
No. You will need two different vaccines to protect yourself from both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu. Neither vaccine is a substitute for the other.
The seasonal flu vaccine will be available first, before H1N1 flu vaccine, and we encourage everyone to get the seasonal flu vaccine.
When will the H1N1 flu vaccine become available?
This is uncertain. The date of arrival may change depending upon production. Vaccine will be available from health care providers in our county as they receive shipments.
We expect to have enough vaccine for everyone in our county. Seasonal flu vaccines usually become available in early fall.
Who should get the H1N1 flu vaccine?
Everyone. We all should get the H1N1 flu vaccine to protect the community and ourselves by stopping the spread of the H1N1 flu.
Certain groups of people are more vulnerable to severe disease and should be extra sure to get the H1N1 vaccine as soon as it is available:
- Pregnant women
- Infants 6 months and older, children and young adults through age 24
- People ages 25-64 who have chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.
There are also certain groups who should get vaccinated to help prevent passing the flu to others including:
- Health care workers
- Those who care for infants under 6 months.
What should I do if I think I'm sick with the H1N1 flu before I get the vaccine?
Contact your doctor, who will determine whether you should be examined and possibly treated with antiviral medicine. Only go to the emergency room if you have a medical emergency.
Will people be required to receive H1N1 flu vaccine?
No. But vaccines offer the best protection against flu for you and your loved ones.
Prior to release, vaccines are tested for safety and effectiveness in clinical trials. All licensed vaccines are held to very high standards of quality and safety.
Meanwhile, continue to practice good hygiene: wash your hands often or use a waterless hand sanitizer, cover your coughs and sneezes with the inside of your arm, and stay home from school or work if you are sick.
For H1N1 flu and vaccine updates, visit www.cchealth.org or call the Contra Costa Public Health flu hotline at 925-313-6469.
Last updated 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 10, 2009
Information for People Living in Contra Costa County
H1N1 influenza vaccine is currently being manufactured and is being tested for safety and effectiveness. Health officials do not know when or how much H1N1 flu vaccine will be available at this time. The CDC has defined "priority groups" for H1N1 flu vaccine; however, whether we will need to implement these priority groups depends on how much vaccine is available. Updates will be provided as new information develops.
Last updated 2:45 p.m. Monday, June 11, 2009
The World Health Organization (WHO) has changed the phase of pandemic alert from Phase 5 to Phase 6. What does that mean for Contra Costa County residents?
Pandemic influenza (flu) is a worldwide outbreak of a new flu virus for which there is little or no immunity (protection) in the human population. WHO rates new influenza pandemics into six phases. Phase 6 indicates that a global pandemic is underway, which means that a new flu virus has appeared or "emerged," it spreads easily from person-to-person, and the disease is found in many countries. This does NOT mean that the disease is more deadly.
A Phase 6 designation is an indication to world leaders to implement strategies that reduce the spread of disease and the impact on society even if they have not yet identified any cases in their own countries. Because Contra Costa is already responding to local cases of H1N1, the change to Phase 6 does not affect our response. The change will primarily activate a response in countries that have not already begun preparing or responding to the situation.
Contra Costa will continue to monitor the situation, perform laboratory tests for severe H1N1 infections, provide recommendations to the public, schools and clinicians, and take measures to protect the public's health. See other information on this website for ways you can protect yourself and your family and help prevent the spread of disease, such as staying home if sick, washing hands often, covering coughs, and contacting your health care provider if you or your family member has flu-like symptoms.
More information on the new guidance is available on the CCHS website: www.cchealth.org or the CCHS Health Emergency Information Line at 1-888-959-9911.
Last updated 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 18, 2009
Information for People Living in Contra Costa County
Current and future Swine flu alerts will be provided by Contra Costa Health Services
Last updated 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 7, 2009
Information for People Living in Contra Costa County
Contra Costa Public Health continues to investigate selected reports of cases of flu-like symptoms and will provide information on probable H1N1 (swine flu) cases as they are identified. There are more than 20 cases of H1N1 identified in Contra Costa County and swine flu is known to be in the community. None of the cases have been severe. Information on individual schools will no longer be provided on this page. It is now assumed that H1N1 (swine flu) is present throughout the community and schools. Everyone is urged to continue practicing good hand washing and cough etiquette and to stay home from school or work if sick.
Contra Costa County health officials are no longer closing schools because of H1N1 (swine flu) and all schools that were closed in Contra Costa have re-opened. The decision was made after the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance on Tuesday that schools no longer needed to be closed unless student or staff absences interfere with the school's ability to operate. Local health officials continue to work closely with state and federal health authorities
New information will be posted as it becomes available. Visit the CDC website for information on cases in California and other states.
Last updated 3:10 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Contra Costa Schools To Re-Open Wednesday, May 6, 2009 After CDC Changes Closure Guidance
Contra Costa County health officials are no longer closing schools because of H1N1 (swine flu) and the five schools already closed because of probable cases will be re-opened on Wednesday, May 6, 2009.
The decision was made after the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance on Tuesday that schools no longer needed to be closed unless student or staff absences interfere with the school's ability to operate, said Dr. William Walker, Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) Director and County Health Officer.
"We are following the CDC's recommendation not to close schools. Because the H1N1 flu appears to be less severe than initially feared, we feel that school closures are no longer necessary. However, we still recommend that anyone who is sick stay home and we urge people to continue practicing good hand washing and cough etiquette," Dr. Walker said.
Ill students and staff should not go to school, and anyone who comes to school with flu-like symptoms (fever with cough or sore throat) should be isolated from others at the school and sent home immediately.
There have been a total of 11 probable cases of H1N1 identified at schools in Contra Costa. Two new cases tested probable Tuesday at Edna Hill Middle School in Brentwood and Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon. Neither of these schools will be closed.
Students tested probable for swine flu at five elementary schools. Highlands Elementary School in Pittsburg was closed on April 29 and is scheduled to re-open Wednesday. Brentwood Elementary School in Brentwood, Coyote Creek Elementary School in San Ramon, Lone Tree Elementary in Antioch, and Shore Acres Elementary School in Bay Point all were closed Monday and will re-open as soon as possible.
More information on the new guidance is available on the CCHS website: www.cchealth.org or the CCHS Health Emergency Information Line at 1-888-959-9911.
Short status updates also will be issued online through Twitter, sign up to follow CCHS at www.twitter.com/CoCoHealth.
Last updated 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Information for People Living in Contra Costa County
Contra Costa Health Services Press Release: New School Closure Guidance - May 5, 2009
Contra Costa Health Services updated guidance for schools and child care facilities - 1:00 p.m., May 5, 2009
Contra Costa County health officials are no longer closing schools because of H1N1 (swine flu) and the five schools already closed because of probable cases will be re-opened as soon as possible. The decision was made after the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance on Tuesday that schools no longer needed to be closed unless student or staff absences interfere with the school's ability to operate.
Contra Costa Public Health continues to investigate reports of cases of flu-like symptoms and will provide information on probable swine flu cases as they are identified. This is a rapidly evolving situation and guidance may change. We will update this information as soon as new information becomes available. Local health officials are working closely with state and federal health authorities. Visit the CDC website for information on cases in California and other states.
Last updated 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Schools Chief Jack O'Connell Responds to New Student Dismissal Guidance from Centers for Disease Control
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell issued the following statement in response to the new guidance regarding student dismissal policy issued today by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
"I am pleased that the Centers for Disease Control has determined that the level of severity of the H1N1 flu does not warrant automatic school-wide student dismissal even in instances of a confirmed case of the virus. While local health officials may always determine if it is necessary to close a campus due to a public health threat, this new guidance will allow our schools to resume their normal operations and keep healthy students in class and learning.
"I appreciate the initial concern for our school children and staff that lead to the recommendation of dismissing students from any campus that had a confirmed or suspected case of the infection. It is important to note that the recommendations on steps we can all take to keep ourselves and our schools healthy remain in place. Students and staff who are sick should stay home. Everyone should cover their coughs and sneezes, and frequently wash their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. I continue to encourage schools and districts to stay in close contact with public health officials for any new information about this flu virus and any potential future changes in student dismissal policy."
Centers for Disease Control Recommendations:
- School closure is not advised for a suspected or confirmed case of novel influenza A (H1N1) and, in general, is not advised unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the school's ability to function.
- Schools that were closed based on previous interim CDC guidance related to this outbreak may reopen.
Students, faculty or staff with influenza-like illness (fever with a cough or sore throat) should stay home and not attend school or go into the community except to seek medical care for at least 7 days even if symptoms resolve sooner. - Students, faculty and staff who are still sick 7 days after they become ill should continue to stay home from school until at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved.
Students, faculty and staff who appear to have an influenza-like illness at arrival or become ill during the school day should be isolated promptly in a room separate from other students and sent home. - Parents and guardians should monitor their school-aged children, and faculty and staff should self-monitor every morning for symptoms of influenza-like illness.
- Ill students should not attend alternative child care or congregate in settings other than school.
- School administrators should communicate regularly with local public health officials to obtain guidance about reporting of influenza-like illnesses in the school.
- Schools can help serve as a focus for educational activities aimed at promoting ways to reduce the spread of influenza, including hand hygiene and cough etiquette.
- Students, faculty and staff should stringently follow sanitary measures to reduce the spread of influenza, including covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or coughing or sneezing into their sleeve if a tissue isn't available), frequently washing hands with soap and water, or using hand sanitizer if hand washing with soap and water is not possible.
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/k12_dismissal.htm
Last updated 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Information for People Living in Contra Costa County
A fifth elementary school in Contra Costa will be closed starting Monday. Brentwood Elementary School in Brentwood was closed after a student tested probable for H1N1 (swine flu) on Saturday. Coyote Creek Elementary School in San Ramon (2 cases), Lone Tree Elementary in Antioch (1) and Shore Acres Elementary School in Bay Point (1) will also be closed starting Monday after students at each of these schools tested probable for swine flu on Friday. All these children are recovering at home. These schools will be closed for one week. Highlands Elementary School in Pittsburg was the first school, closed on April 29 after three students tested probable for swine flu. A fourth Highlands student has also tested probable. Highlands will re-open Wednesday.
Contra Costa Public Health continues to investigate reports of cases of flu-like symptoms and will provide information on probable swine flu cases as they are identified. This is a rapidly evolving situation and guidance may change. We will update this information as soon as new information becomes available. Local health officials are working closely with state and federal health authorities. Visit the CDC website for information on cases in California and other states.
Last updated 9:00 a.m. Monday, May 4, 2009
Information for People Living in Contra Costa County
A fifth elementary school in Contra Costa will be closed starting Monday. Brentwood Elementary School in Brentwood was closed after a student tested probable for H1N1 (swine flu) on Saturday. Coyote Creek Elementary School in San Ramon, Lone Tree Elementary in Antioch and Shore Acres Elementary School in Bay Point also will closed starting Monday after a student at each of these schools tested probable for swine flu on Friday. All these children are recovering at home. These schools could be closed for at least one week and as long as two weeks. Highlands Elementary School in Pittsburg was the first school closed on April 29 after three students tested probable for swine flu.
Contra Costa Public Health continues to investigate reports of cases of flu-like symptoms and will provide information on probable swine flu cases as they are identified. This is a rapidly evolving situation and guidance may change. We will update this information as soon as new information becomes available. Local health officials are working closely with state and federal health authorities. Visit the CDC website for information on cases in California and other states.
State Schools Chief Jack O'Connell Holds Teleconference With Educators On H1N1 Virus
SACRAMENTO - State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell held a conference call briefing today with local educational agencies (LEAs) from across California regarding the H1N1 virus. O'Connell discussed school closures, the extension of state testing deadlines, and precautionary measures schools and districts should take to guard against the spread of the H1N1 virus.
The following is the text of O'Connell's prepared remarks:
"I would like to thank everyone for joining us this morning during what I know is an exceptionally unsettling time for our local educational agencies.
"As most of you are aware this week we have begun to see a number of schools in California that have been ordered to send students home because of the H1N1 flu outbreaks. We are following the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and the California Department of Public Health, which were just updated today to recommend that if there is a confirmed case or strongly suspected case of the H1N1 flu, a public health officer should order that the school dismiss students for 14 days from the last known case. The CDC had previously recommended student dismissal for a period of one week. Please note that I said students are to be dismissed. Teaching staff and school administrators can still come to work, and we encourage our schools to provide for the continuity of education services for students at home, either through distance learning, Web-based instruction or learning packets that parents can pick up.
"My department is working to develop an easy reporting process that affected schools and districts can use to alert us about new orders of student dismissal. I expect this system to be up and running shortly, and I will keep you updated on the progress.
"Another matter that I would like to touch on is testing. We have received a lot of questions about how the flu outbreaks and school closures would affect STAR and CAHSEE testing deadlines. I will be requesting that through his emergency power authority the Governor grant my office the authority to extend or modify the testing administration and release dates as needed. My staff has also been communicating with our testing contractors and vendors to talk about any necessary accommodations needed for affected schools. We are also in touch with the U.S. Department of Education regarding the potential need for flexibility on accountability requirements - like participation rates and reporting schedules.
"We have updated the CDE flu Web pages with this information and will continue to do so as this situation continues to evolve.
CDE Web site: http://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/el/le/yr09ltr0429h1n1.asp
CDE Web site: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/fluinfo.asp
"I would also like to stress that our school communities play an important role in mitigating the spread of this virus, and there are some very simple precautionary steps they can take prevent the spread of H1N1: students and staff should stay home if they are sick; everyone should always cover their coughs and sneezes with a tissue or by covering with your arm; and students and school staff should frequently wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water; or use alcohol- based hand sanitizer.
"I have also heard that some of our schools do not currently have soap for student use. During this public health emergency I strongly urge school leaders to make sure that soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizers are consistently and easily available to your students.
"I can't stress the importance of these measures enough to protect the health of our students and our school staff. The education community certainly has an obligation to ensure that these precautions are being taken seriously on our campuses."
# # #
As of 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 1, the following schools have issued student dismissal orders: Highlands Elementary in Pittsburg (Pittsburg Unified School District, Contra Costa County); Branham High in San Jose (Campbell Union High School District, Santa Clara County); *Rucker Elementary in Gilroy (Gilroy Unified School District, Santa Clara County); Charles Blackstock Junior High in Oxnard (Hueneme School District, Ventura County); Haycox Elementary in Oxnard (Hueneme School District, Ventura County); Indio High School in Indio (Desert Sands Unified School District, Riverside County); Lee V. Pollard High in Corona (Corona-Norco Unified School District, Riverside County); Mission Bell Elementary in Riverside (Jurupa Unified School District, Riverside County); Della Lindley Elementary Thousand Palms (Palm Springs Unified School District, Riverside County); Cole Elementary in Highland (San Bernardino City Unified School District, San Bernardino County); Mountain View Elementary in Visalia (Visalia Unified School District, Tulare County); and Bahia Vista Elementary (San Rafael City Schools, Marin County).
*Rucker Elementary was expected to reopen Monday after school officials said they'd been notified that none of the students tested positive for swine flu.
Last updated April 30, 2009 5:15 P.M.
Information for People Living in Contra Costa County
The Contra Costa County Public Health Department contacted Pittsburg Unified School District Superintendent Barbara Wilson at 5:10 P.M. this evening to let her know that all of the students who were sent home from Marina Vista School yesterday, that were tested for swine flu, had tests that were confirmed as negative.
Marina Vista will continue to be open on Friday as will all other activities scheduled for the school. Principal Lynne Plunkett expressed relief when notified and is hopeful that all healthy students return to school tomorrow. School starts at 8:00 A.M.
Highlands Elementary School remains closed until Wednesday, May 6th.
The PUSD staff wishes to express its thanks to the CCC Public Health Department for its immediate response to the concern at the school and for rapid answers to questions that have arisen during this difficult time.
Last updated April 30, 2009 8:30 a.m.
Information for People Living in Contra Costa County
This is a rapidly evolving situation and guidance may change. We will update this information as soon as new information becomes available.
Health officials closed Highlands Elementary School in Pittsburg starting April 29, 2009, after preliminary tests indicate three students were infected with swine flu. So far, none of the cases appear to be severe. Local health officials are working closely with state and federal health authorities. There have been cases of swine flu in California. All of those cases have been mild to moderate and those infected have recovered. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for information on cases in California and other states.
VIDEO: State Schools Chief Jack O’Connell Urges Calm and Precaution Over H1N1 Flu Outbreak - full press release below.
Note: If you have problems viewing the video, try clicking here
State Schools Chief Jack O’Connell Urges Calm and Precaution Over H1N1 Flu Outbreak
PLEASANT HILL – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell today urged schools and child care agencies to redouble their efforts to teach flu prevention strategies, and to review and update their school safety plans in light of the current outbreak of H1N1 flu, also known as the swine flu.
“I commend health and school officials in Contra Costa County for taking the quick precautionary measure of closing down Highlands Elementary School in Pittsburg to ensure the safety of students and staff because of an outbreak of the H1N1 virus there,” said O’Connell.
O’Connell is working closely with state health officials to monitor the rapidly changing situation surrounding the spread of the H1N1 virus and its potential impact on the education of California’s 6.2 million public school students. O’Connell stressed the most important thing all Californians can all do to mitigate the spread of flu is to wash hands frequently with soap, cover their coughs and sneezes, and stay home if they are sick.
O’Connell strongly urged all schools, preschools, and child care agencies to have up-to-date safety plans that include a response to the threat of pandemic flu. The California Department of Education Web site offers guidelines on how to implement a school safety plan. California Education Code sections 32282 and 32286 encourage every school in California to have a comprehensive school safety plan that should be reviewed and updated annually. The comprehensive school safety plan should provide guidance for school administration, staff, and students for any emergency that impacts the school, including a public health crisis such as a pandemic. The current H1N1 flu incidents are not yet classified as a pandemic.
The California Department of Education developed in conjunction with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) pandemic flu planning checklists for school districts and preschools to use in the development of this aspect of their school safety plans. For more information on developing school safety plans and checklists for child care agencies, preschools, and local educational agencies, please visit http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/fluinfo.asp.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the CDPH are currently advising that local health officers may recommend closure of specific school sites if there are confirmed cases the H1N1 flu. O’Connell urged local district superintendents and school health officials to stay in close communication with local health officials during the H1N1 flu outbreak.
Schools, parents, and any member of the public may download a free “Keep Our Schools Healthy” tool kit that contains posters on how to prevent the spread of any germs and viruses such as the H1N1 flu at http://www.cde.ca.gov/148645.
Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Emergency Proclamation to Confront Swine Flu Outbreak
As part of the state’s aggressive approach to addressing the swine flu, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today proclaimed a State of Emergency that will support and facilitate our state health departments’ response to this outbreak. While there is no need for alarm, it is the Governor’s top priority to limit the swine flu’s spread as quickly and effectively as possible and this action represents one more step being taken to strengthen California’s response capabilities.
This proclamation cuts government red tape by:
- Ordering all state agencies and departments to utilize and employ state personnel, equipment and facilities to assist the Department of Public Health (DPH) and the State Emergency Plan as coordinated by the California Emergency Management Agency
- Ordering DPH and the Emergency Medical Services Authority to enter into any and all necessary contracts for providing services, materials, personnel and equipment to supplement extraordinary preventive measures being taken across the state
- Suspending non-competitive bid contracts for services, material, personnel and equipment needed to respond to this outbreak
- Waiving select certification requirements for public health laboratories to help in the state’s expansion of our testing capabilities
Also today, California became the first state in the nation to do its own confirmatory testing for this strain of swine flu without having to send samples to the Centers for Disease Control, which will greatly speed up detection efforts in California.
The Governor continues to urge all Californians to be diligent in preventing the further spread of the flu:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you get sick with flu, it is recommended that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or
The complete proclamation (45KB pdf)
State Schools Chief Jack O'Connell, Assembly Member Tom Torlakson Discuss Spread of Swine Flu, Encourage Precautionary Measures and Up-to-Date School Safety Plans
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell will join Assembly Member Tom Torlakson and Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Joseph A. Ovick at a news conference on Wednesday in Pleasant Hill encouraging school districts to make sure their required School Safety Plans include responses to pandemic flu. He will also highlight the importance for students, parents, and educators to take precautionary measures (i.e. washing hands thoroughly and covering sneezes and coughs) to guard against the spread of the recently reported outbreak of swine influenza. O'Connell will strongly urge students, their parents, and school officials to download a free "Keep Our Schools Healthy" tool kit in multiple languages to help prevent the spread of germs and viruses. The tool kit can be downloaded by visiting http://www.cde.ca.gov/148645.
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Place: Contra Costa County Office of Education, 77 Santa Barbara Road, Pleasant Hill
From Dr. Walker, Health Officer of Contra Costa Health Services:
Contra Costa Health Services is not recommending any school closure at this time. We are in daily contact with the State Department of Public Health and other Health Departments around the Bay Area about school health and closure issues in order to provide Contra Costa districts and schools with coordinated, consistent recommendations. We will keep you updated as those recommendations evolve.
Contra Costa Health Services Public Health Communicable Disease is available to consult regarding the need to close individual schools, based on the health situation in a particular school. Please call 925-313-6740 for consultation or questions regarding school issues.
Attached is the letter about current guidance for schools from Francie Wise, PHN, MPH, our Communicable Disease Programs Chief. This and other resources are posted on our website at cchealth.org. This information will be updated regularly.
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An H1N1 (swine flu) Resources page is available
School-based Seasonal & H1N1 Flu Vaccine Clinics
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