As reported in the media, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has escalated its Pandemic Flu Alert Level to Phase 5.
The Department of Education has a number of advisory documents relating to school and youth sectors. These can be viewed by accessing http://www.deni.gov.uk/index/85-schools/5-school-management/schools-management-31-swine-influenza.htm
The public can take simple but effective measures to protect themselves by covering their noses and mouths when they cough and sneeze and then put their tissue in a bin and wash their hands.
The message is simple; “Catch it. Bin it. Kill it.”
The current TV ad - Catch it, Bin it, Kill it is also available at:
www.nidirect.gov.uk
A leaflet will shortly be dropped through people's doors. The leaflet includes information about what swine flu is and how it could spread, what UK governments have done to prepare for a wider outbreak of flu, how you can protect yourself against flu and what to do if you have flu symptoms. To read the leaflet and for other useful links please click on:
http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/swinefluleaflet_acc.pdf
The Northern Ireland helpline is 0800 0514 142. This freephone helpline is for those who have recently returned from Mexico and another affected areas and are worried and need more information.
The UK-wide flu information line on 0800 1 513 513 provides regularly updated advice on swine flu. This is a freephone number.
Travel Advice
The Foreign Office advise against all but essential travel to Mexico. For other countries the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is keeping their advice under constant review. For the latest advice, please visit their website at
www.fco.gov.uk/en
Businesses
Advice to businesses and employers can be found at:
www.nidirect.gov.uk
Key Websites
FAQ's
For frequently asked questions, please see:
www.nidirect.gov.uk
Letters to School Principals - 21st August 2009
http://www.deni.gov.uk/index/85-schools/5-school-management/schools-management-31-swine-influenza.htm
