A new H1N1 policy at public and catholic schools in Grey Bruce is now being practiced.
Both the Bluewater public school board and the Bruce Grey Catholic board say they are ready for the H1N1 virus.
The school boards have worked with the Grey Bruce Health Unit to ensure each school has an action plan in place.
Catholic Director of Education Bruce MacPherson says its no longer a matter of if it happens — but when.
The new policy includes the introduction of purell — an alcohol based hand sanitizer to every classroom, library and cafeteria in each school.
The health unit also wants schools to keep close tabs on absentee students and inquire with parents whether their child is not in class because of any flu or gastrointestinal type illness
Each school will also go to great lengths to educate students on the importance of hand washing and the proper way to cough or sneeze into ones sleeve.
Students will also be discouraged from sharing food, beverages and personal items.
Any student diagnosed with the H1N1 virus can not return to school until 24 hours after their symptoms are gone — or for seven days following illness onset — whichever is longer.
MacPherson says young people between the ages of 5 to 24 seem to be one of the groups greatly effected by the H1N1 virus.