Schools: Pandemic Preparedness
Schools, which concentrate children and other groups into close proximity, will encourage spread of viruses like pandemic influenza. During the 1918 pandemic, Minnesota schools were closed several times, and teachers were asked to help with the pandemic.
On this page:
Who can close schools in Minnesota?
School hygiene
School closure tabletop
Resources
Who can close schools in Minnesota?
In 1918, schools were closed several times. Teachers were asked to help with the pandemic; students were asked to stay home. Schools were also closed in some places during the SARS outbreak of 2003. Schools often experience outbreaks of seasonal influenza in Minnesota.
During the next pandemic, the Minnesota Department of Health might recommend school closures. The governor has the authority to declare a state of emergency, at which point he could close schools and other public gatherings.
School hygiene
One of the biggest concerns about public gatherings, including schools, is the spread of disease. Find out how to limit the spread of germs in your school.
- Teaching Hand Hygiene
Materials, curricula, and ideas for teaching hand washing to people of all ages.
Age Appropriate Curriculum | Project Ideas | Children’s Books | Build A Tool Kit
- Cover Your Cough
Stop the spread of germs that make you and others sick: Cover Your Cough
Frequently Asked Questions | Schools, Childcare, and the Community | Health Care Facilities | All Print Materials | About CYC
School closure tabletop
- Pandemic Influenza Tabletop Exercise: K-12 School Closure as a Disease Containment Measure
Use these materials to create your own tabletop exercise to discuss pandemic preparedness with local government and schools.
Resources
- Pandemic Flu School Action Kit
Contra Costa Health Services in California produced these resources for schools planning for pandemic. Attention: Non-MDH link
- Seasonal Flu Information for Schools & Childcare Providers
CDC information about stopping the spread of seasonal influenza in schools. Attention: Non-MDH link
