Background
Communicable
diseases as defined by the Ministry of Health include: eye infections,
impetigo, lice, ringworm, scabies, scarlet fever, strep throat, measles,
mumps, chicken pox, fifth disease and whooping cough. These diseases
are of great concern to the health of the Division’s students and staff.
The
Division also recognizes that serious contagious diseases are a concern
for the operation of public schools. Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome (AIDS), SARS and other serious diseases with the potential to
endanger the lives of the general public require policy and procedure
for dealing with risk. Accordingly, it believes that a high standard of
care and responsibility must be associated with any actions concerning
students or employees who contact the condition. Significant efforts
must be directed toward education and communication concerning AIDS,
SARS and any other serious contagious diseases.
The
Division recognizes, further, that present medical knowledge is limited
with regard to some contagious situations, while other knowledge is
relatively comprehensive. The type of disease will have a risk factor
and the risk factor will drive many of the decisions made by the
Division. Finally, the Division recognizes its duty to respect the
inherent worth and dignity of each individual involved in any relevant
discussions or decisions.
Staff members at risk due to the presence of a communicable and contagious disease should refer to the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Under this Act employers have the responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy workplace for their employees.
Procedures
Based on the understandings stated above, administrators shall adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Contagious diseases are a health issue; this principle is to guide all actions taken.
2. Education is the key to curtailing and understanding the communicable disease.
3. Each individual situation where a student contracts a communicable disease should be evaluated carefully:
3.1. Consultation with public health officials should occur prior to making any decision for the exclusion of a student;
3.2. The principal shall be entitled, under Section 157 of The Education Act, to exclude a student from attending school;
3.3. The principal shall consult with Procedure AP 319 Notice of Exclusion for a sample letter to be used when a student is to be excluded due to a health concern; and
3.4. The
principal shall only re-admit a student who has been excluded upon the
production of a written certificate from the medical health official
indicating that it is safe for the student to return, as per Section
157(g) of The Education Act.
4.
A student who has been infected by the HIV, or who has developed AIDS,
SARS, West Nile or other diseases will be allowed to continue at school
provided: (see
The Education Act section 157)
4.1. That she/he displays no aberrant behavior which could place other individuals in danger; and
4.2. That
a committee consisting of the Medical Health Officer, the student’s
personal physician and the Director (or designate) believes that the
student and her/his parent(s)/guardian(s) understand what must be done
to protect other students and the infected person, and are prepared to
take the necessary precautions.
5.
Administrators will allow the student to be absent from school for
reasons related to the individual’s health, especially remembering that
the person infected by the contagious disease may have an increased risk
of acquiring every other infection that commonly runs its course in
schools.
6.
An employee who tests positive for infection by the Human
Immune-Deficiency Virus (the cause of AIDS) and who develops AIDS, SARS,
West Nile or other diseases may continue in her/his position as long
as:
6.1. The/he displays no aberrant behavior which could place other individuals in danger;
6.2. A
committee consisting of the individual’s personal physician, the
Medical Health Officer, and the Director (or designate) believes that
the person is adequately informed about the disease and what needs to be
done to protect his or her own life and that of others, and that he or
she is prepared to take all the precautions advised by the committee;
and
6.3. The person remains healthy enough to carry out the duties assigned.
7.
The right to privacy and confidentially will be respected. No
information shall be released to staff, the media or the public unless
done by the Director after consulting with the other committee members
cited. It is understood that the safety of other students and staff will
be an important consideration in any decision to share information.
Reference: Occupational Health and Safety Act
Section 157, Education Act
April 5, 2011
