The District School Board Ontario North East is asking students that have lice to stay home. That decision was made during a board meeting this week. Chairman Doug Shearer says their policy is that students should have the opportunity for treatment. If those treatments don’t work, then they will be asked to stay home until the lice are gone. Treatments include over the counter shampoo, and using a nit comb. The school board reviewed their policy about head lice after a case in Cochrane.
The Porcupine Health Unit gives these additional tips for dealing with lice:
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels that were recently worn using the washing machine’s hottest setting. Laundry should be dried on high heat for at least 20 minutes;
- Place items that cannot be washed (stuffed animals, pillows, etc.) in a tightly sealed plastic bag for two weeks;
- Vacuum rugs, carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, vehicle interiors and car seats; and
- Soak all family combs and brushes for at least 10 minutes in hot water.