The Lake Washington School District’s (LWSD) H1N1 flu virus emergency team, led by Deputy Superintendent Janene Fogard and including safety and risk management director Scott Emry, met April 30 to discuss preparedness for a possible flu outbreak in our area.

The LWSD follows the direction of Public Health-Seattle & King County with regard to this or any public health concern, said Kathryn Reith, LWSD communications director.

“We have asked custodial staff to step up cleaning efforts and asked schools staff to review hand-washing and other reminders for students on ways to stay healthy,” Reith noted.

What happens if a student, teacher or other LWSD employee becomes ill with the H1N1 virus? Will schools close?

“School closures are up to Public Health,” Reith responded. “They directed the Seattle Schools to close Madrona K-8 today because of a possible case. We would follow their direction as well.”

The LWSD is advising the community to “educate themselves about swine flu and do those things that the Centers for Disease Control recommends, like washing hands frequently. Both the CDC and Public Health have lots of good information on their Web sites,” said Reith. “We also ask students and staff who have flu-like symptoms and a fever over 100 degrees to stay home and not come to school.”

For updates, visit www.lwsd.org and www.kirklandreporter.com.