When classes resume, the Education & Manpower Bureau urges parents to notify schools if their children have visited areas with avian influenza cases over the school holidays.

The bureau is also advising parents, teachers and students to remain vigilant and take steps to prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases.

Schools are advised to adhere to the Department of Health's Health Advice on the Prevention of Influenza. School authorities, staff and students should note the following advice:

* Don't keep live birds in school where possible;

* Establish barriers to prevent children from touching live birds;

* Avoid organising activities that may expose children to live birds;

* Don't touch live birds, poultry and their droppings, and wash hands with soap and water immediately after contact with live birds or surfaces contaminated by bird droppings;

* Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing and wash hands with soap and water afterwards;

* Keep hands clean and wash hands properly, using liquid soap for hand washing and disposable towels for drying hands (do not share towels);

* Clean used toys and furniture properly;

* Maintain good ventilation; and

* If any students/staff develop respiratory symptoms, they should see their doctor promptly, wear a surgical mask, and rest at home and not go to school as advised by their doctor.

For more details, see the Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases in Child Care Centres/Kindergartens/Schools.