Authorizing City Council's Joint-Committees on Public Health and Human Services and Public Safety to hold a public hearing to investigate current policies, procedures, and standards in all Schools located in the City of Philadelphia to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of our students from contagious viruses such as the H1N1 (Swine) Flu.

WHEREAS

, The H1N1 (Swine) Flu is real and there have been lives claimed by this virus and any preventative steps available must be taken; and

WHEREAS,

The Signs and symptoms of Swine Flu are similar to other flu viruses: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some folks have reported diarrhea and vomiting; and

WHEREAS

, The viruses mainly spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza or by touching something with flu virus on it and then touching your mouth or nose; and

WHEREAS

, The flu virus can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs and desks; and

WHEREAS

, Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one (1) day before symptoms develop and up to seven (7) days after becoming sick; and

WHEREAS

, Best defense against getting the flu is WASH YOUR HANDS; and

WHEREAS

, CDC recommends that when washing your hands with soap, wash them between 15-20 seconds, which will give the soap a better chance of cleansing your skin surface from germs and viral “bugs;” and

WHEREAS

, There are other “waterless” methods such as hand wipes or gel sanitizers, make sure they are alcohol-based. (rubbing alcohol KILLS the flu virus!) If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is DRY; and

WHEREAS

, Children are most prone to spreading viruses and additional safe guards must be put into place to ensure that the general welfare of our children and students is an utmost priority.

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA

, That City Council Hereby Authorize City Council's Joint-Committees on Public Health and Human Services and Public Safety to hold a public hearing to investigate current policies, procedures, and standards in all Schools located in the City of Philadelphia to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of their students from contagious viruses such as the H1N1 (Swine) Flu.

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