The Eau Claire City-County Health Dept. issued school closure guidance related to influenza and influenza-like illness to public and private schools in Eau Claire County.

• The level of flu-like illness present in Eau Claire County schools is currently higher than that typically seen at this time of year.

• School closure is not recommended solely for the purpose of controlling disease transmission because flu-like illness is already widespread in the community.

• School closure may be needed when student and staff absenteeism disrupts normal school functioning. This will be initiated by school administration.

• A decision to dismiss students will be reached jointly between the school district and Health Department, in consultation with the state Division of Public Health. The decision will balance the goals of restoring normal school functioning and reducing illness with the goal of minimizing social disruption and safety risks to children sometimes associated with school dismissal.

• When the decision is made to dismiss, all co-curricular activities will be canceled in conjunction with a school closure, including use of the school building(s) for other purposes.

• Parents are encouraged to have a plan developed for care and supervision of children in the event of school closure.

• If school closure occurs:
  • Stay home when sick to minimize further transmission. Those with flu-like illness should stay home until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
  • Practice good hand hygiene and cough etiquette. Cover coughs and sneezes with a shirt sleeve or tissue and clean hands frequently with soap and water or hand gel.
  • Continue routine cleaning. School staff should routinely clean areas that students and staff touch often with the cleaners they typically use.