Memo on H1N1

25 May 2009


MEMO TO: The Loyola Schools Community

FROM : Ma. Assunta C. Cuyegkeng (Vice President)

SUBJECT: Precautions against H1N1




The Loyola Schools is taking precautionary measures to protect our students, faculty, and non-teaching staff from the Influenza A (H1N1) virus. As stated in a Department of Health advisory, the virus can be transmitted through "exposure to droplets from the cough and sneeze of the infected person". Thus, the responsibility of preventing virus transmission falls on the persons who may have been exposed to the virus as a result of their visit to countries with confirmed cases of H1N1.

In line with this, please be informed of the following guidelines:

1. Any member of the Loyola Schools community (including students and faculty under exchange programs) who have visited/arrived from countries[*] with confirmed cases of H1N1 virus should undergo voluntary self-quarantine and monitor themselves for possible signs and symptoms of the disease for the next ten(10) days after arrival.

2. Students will be asked to give their travel information when they log on to AISIS. Those who have to undergo voluntary self-quarantine should enlist online but final steps in registration can be done after the self-quarantine period. They will be excused from their classes up to ten calendar days after arrival in the Philippines. Resident students from the University Dormitory, Cervini Hall, and Eliazo Hall should check in only after the self-quarantine period. Upon their return from self-quarantine, students must show proof of arrival to the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Failure to do will mean penalties for late registration and cuts for absences.

3. Faculty, administrators, and staff are asked to inform their respective departments and offices of their travel arrangements and show proof of arrival to their respective heads.

4. Anyone who gets sick following arrival (e.g., feeling unwell; developing cough, sore throat or high fever), the World Health Organization recommends the following:

a.. Stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds.
b.. Rest and take plenty of fluids.
c.. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing and, if using tissues, make sure you dispose of them carefully. Clean your hands immediately after with soap and water or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub.
d.. If you do not have a tissue close by when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth as much as possible with the crook of your elbow.
e.. Use a mask to help you contain the spread of droplets when you are around others, but be sure to do so correctly.
f.. Inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with other people.
g.. If possible, contact a health professional before traveling to a health facility to discuss whether a medical examination is necessary.


The Department of Health also recommends that persons who get sick in the next ten days following their arrival in the country seek medical consult early, for prompt testing for Influenza A (H1N1). The designated referral center closest to the Ateneo is the Lung Center of the Philippines at Quezon Avenue (924-6101 & 924-0707). The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (809-7599) and the San Lazaro Hospital (732-3776 to 78) are also referral centers.

Although these precautionary measures may cause inconvenience, it is important to observe them so that our community may be protected from this threat.

Thank you very much for your cooperation.



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[*] Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China (including Hong Kong), Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, and USA.