Ministers meet to discuss swine flu preparations

Schools, colleges and universities will reopen again as normal for the autumn term.

Preparations for the new academic year were discussed at a meeting between the Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane and Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey at Stormont today.

Northern Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride and Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Elizabeth Mitchell also attended the meeting.

Leading the meeting Michael McGimpsey said: “Throughout the summer we have continued to monitor the development of swine flu and assess the possible impact the virus may have on schools and colleges as we approach the new academic year. I can confirm today that schools, colleges and universities will re-open as normal in the autumn. Scientific evidence supports this approach.

“While the number of cases in Northern Ireland continues to decrease, our levels of flu and flu like illness remain significantly higher than expected for this time of the year. We are also planning for an expected surge of cases in the autumn and winter. There may therefore be some valid reasons for school closures throughout the academic year but this would be the exception rather than the rule. The knock-on effect of such closures on other sectors, including Health and Social Care, could be considerable and such a decision will not be taken lightly. The situation will obviously be kept under review.

Parents and children can also be reassured that the vast majority of people with swine flu will have symptoms similar to seasonal flu and will make a full recovery.”

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane said: “I had a very useful and informative meeting with Ministers McGimpsey and Empey today and we discussed a number of important issues and focused on the most pressing subject of school openings. My primary concern is for the welfare of pupils and staff and I am sensitive to people’s fears and anxieties on the issue.

“The Department of Education has taken advice from the Public Health Agency (PHA) and consulted with colleagues across the education sector in the north and south on this matter and I am reassured that schools should reopen as planned. My Department and the PHA will issue advice and guidance to schools for the start of the school year, outlining the latest position and reinforcing the importance of good hygiene procedures over the coming weeks and months.”

Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Employment and Learning, added: “My officials continue to liaise with the other UK Administrations to ensure that generic swine flu guidance for Universities and Further Education Colleges is up to date. In fact, the latest guidance was issued to universities and colleges on 4 August 2009.

“In addition, the Universities and Further Education Colleges have their own contingency plans in place. These provide advice to students, staff and visitors on good hygiene practice and amendments to normal routines that may be required if the swine flu situation changes.”

Further information and advice on swine flu is available at: www.nidirect.gov.uk

Notes to Editors:

1. If you think you have swine flu you should stay at home. To reduce the risk of spreading the virus, do not go your GP, hospital or pharmacy. If you have a serious medical condition, are pregnant, have a sick child under five or are concerned you should telephone your GP or out of hours service. If you are normally healthy you should be able to recover at home with the usual flu remedies.

2. Everyone can play their part to protect and prepare themselves and their families. Simple, effective measures can help reduce the spread of flu – always use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, dispose of the tissue and then wash your hands with soap and water or sanitising gel. The message is simple, Catch It, Bin It, Kill It.

3. The Northern Ireland swine flu helpline number 0800 0514 142 is a freephone helpline for those who want more information about swine flu. Textphone 18001 0800 0 514 142.

4. The UK-wide flu information line on 0800 1 513 513 provides regularly updated advice on swine flu. This is also a freephone number.

5. Further information about swine flu can be found at the DHSSPS website, www.dhsspsni.gov.uk, or NI Direct, www.nidirect.gov.uk

6. Press enquiries as follows:

• Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety – Jenny Magill – 028 9052 0575
• Department of Education – Joanne Eland – 028 9127 9701
• Department of Employment and Learning – Paddy Murphy – 028 9025 7872

7. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.