30 April 2009
Jersey’s health authorities are escalating their plans to protect islanders’ health, following the World Health Organisation’s decision to raise the pandemic alert phase from 4 to 5, meaning a pandemic is imminent.
The island’s preparedness plan has been triggered. This means the supply of Tamiflu is being made ready for affected individuals, health staff are monitoring and responding to international developments and are preparing to treat more patients both in the community and in hospital.
The States’ pre-existing pandemic plan included a programme of vaccination against an H5 virus. This aspect of the plan is not needed if this strain of Swine Flu becomes a pandemic, as it is a new H1N1 virus and there are currently no vaccines available.
The anti-viral drug Tamiflu and other medical supplies have been stockpiled and extra supplies of antibiotics to treat chest infections have also been ordered since the WHO’s latest announcement.
Jersey’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr Rosemary Geller, says “We are also monitoring, investigating and treating any travellers returning to the island from parts of the world where this flu is circulating – mainly Mexico. But this guidance is likely to change as we get more information.
We will issue daily figures on the number of cases under investigation, any confirmed cases and negative test results.
Today there remain four suspected cases, no confirmed cases and one negative result.”
A helpline is being set up tomorrow morning and will be operational from 12.00 noon to answer islanders’ queries. After that, lines will be open Monday–Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm. The number will be 445566.
The lines will also be open this Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from 10am – 1pm
You can e-mail your questions to publichealth@health.gov.je
A public information leaflet is being prepared, which will be delivered to every household next week.
Posters are going on display at the airport and ferry terminal and a media statement will be issued once a day to keep islanders up to date with developments.
The States website will be regularly updated with the latest information.
gov.je