From the Director: Mosquito Protection at ISD

Our maintenance staff are working hard to ensure our campus is safe. Here are some top tips that you can follow to help. As we approach the mosquito season I would like to both brief the community on the action we are taking to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne infection and to respond to suggestions that would protect our students and staff from this hazard. On campus our maintenance staff are working to empty containers with standing water, clean drains and gutters and dispose of materials that can accumulate water to reduce mosquito breeding sites. However, spraying remains a necessary and important control method. At ISD we use an approved anti-mosquito spray on our external school grounds each morning before school opens. Bathrooms in external areas are also sprayed in the early morning before school campus opens. Whilst on campus we advise that everyone takes the following preventative steps that you may such as:

• wearing clothing that covers the skin
• using mosquito patches or sprays applied using correct guidance
• avoiding areas where mosquitoes may accumulate e.g. around bushes and under trees

Please note that the school has ordered long pants for PE classes in case families would like their children to wear these for protection whilst at school in the coming months. We hope that with more awareness and taking precautions we can keep our community safe and healthy during the upcoming mosquito season.