“The World Health Organisation announced on Thursday 11 June that they considered the swine flu virus had reached global pandemic levels. This announcement means that we have now moved to Phase 6 in our pandemic flu preparations. I want to reassure Members, as I did following the announcement, that this declaration does not reflect the severity of the virus. It means that the World Health Organisation thinks that the virus has now spread more widely around the world and now fulfils the definition of a pandemic.
“Yesterday, the Scottish Government confirmed a patient with underlying health problems has died after testing positive for the H1N1 virus. This is the first person to die from the virus in Europe. The person concerned had other underlying health problems. This does not mean that the virus is becoming more severe. The evidence to date suggests that the virus is not changing at all.
“There have now been confirmed cases in 74 countries and we have recently seen large increases in the number of confirmed cases being reported in the UK, Australia, Chile and Japan. Globally, there are now 30,128 confirmed cases and 165 deaths. Throughout the UK there are now 1,277 confirmed cases, eight of these are in Northern Ireland.
“We have also seen more cases in Republic of Ireland, with 12 cases now being confirmed. Given this increasing number of cases worldwide, we can expect to see more cases here.
“The World Health Organisation considers the pandemic to be moderate with the majority of those affected by the virus recovering well without the need for hospitalisation or medical care. The levels of clinically severe or fatal cases appears to be similar to that of seasonal influenza.
“This has indeed been our experience in the UK. In the majority of cases, the disease has generally been mild, but is proving to be severe in a small minority of cases. I am pleased to report that all of the Northern Ireland cases have fully recovered or are recovering well.
“Mr Speaker, it is important that members are aware that the declaration by WHO to move to Phase 6 does not change the UK’s overall assessment of the virus and does not trigger any material change in our public health response. WHO, in determining their pandemic alert phases, need to consider what is happening globally and as I have reported, the number of cases throughout the world continues to rise, although we are currently only seeing a small number of cases in Northern Ireland.
“As in the rest of the UK, we have been planning for a potential pandemic for some time and since the emergence of swine flu, we have been operating at a heightened state of readiness. Our plans are robust and well-rehearsed. We are continuing with our preparations based on prudent planning assumptions as it is still too early to accurately predict the impact of the pandemic on the UK. The move to Phase 6 vindicates our preparation in planning for a pandemic and the possibility of large numbers of people catching swine flu.
“Again, I understand how this further development may cause public concern but we are well equipped to deal with the pandemic. The UK is one of the best prepared countries in the world.
“In line with WHO advice, the UK Government will not be imposing any domestic or international travel restrictions and will keep UK borders open.
“Currently in Northern Ireland, as in the rest of the UK, we are following a containment strategy — supplying antivirals both to those who develop the disease and, as a preventive measure, to their close contacts. This strategy has been effective to date in delaying widespread transmission. However, this strategy will not work indefinitely if we see a rapid rise in cases and therefore preparations are in hand to move to a mitigation strategy.
“The mitigation strategy will mean that when the number of cases increases beyond a certain level, we will have to keep under review to what extent we supply antivirals to contacts —in the first instance supplying them only to immediate close contacts rather than to all contacts. This may also require the use of clinical diagnosis rather than laboratory testing where there is a high probability that cases are positive. A reduction in the numbers of follow-up contacts may also be necessary so we only target those who are most at risk.
“The move to Phase 6 means that vaccine manufacturers will need to meet the contractual obligations of advance purchase agreements for vaccines with the UK and some other countries, made in the event of a pandemic being declared. These enable the UK to purchase up to 132 million doses of pandemic specific vaccine, when it becomes available. This means that we will have access to two doses of pandemic vaccine for everyone in Northern Ireland, if needed.
“I would advise again that Northern Ireland has a stock of antiviral drugs that will cover half the population and I have ensured that steps are in place to increase this so that there will be antiviral drugs to treat up to 80% of the population.
“I called a meeting last Friday of the Chief Executives of the various Health and Social Care bodies and the Fire Service to assure me that their organisations are in an advanced state of preparedness and ready to respond to the increased number of cases we can expect in the near future. This was a very positive meeting and I am pleased that extensive plans are in place to ensure our population will be protected.
“I also continue to meet with my counterparts throughout the UK which includes taking part in regular COBR meetings, which are now chaired by the new Secretary of State for Health, Andy Burnham, along with the Health Ministers from Wales and Scotland.
“My Department continues to work closely with the Department of Health and Children in the Republic of Ireland on North South preparedness. I met with Mary Harney last week on the fringes of the North South Ministerial Council meeting to discuss swine flu preparations and planning.
“As we have being doing to date, we will also ensure that the public are kept fully informed and are given the advice they need.
“I would remind members and public that we cannot do this alone. Everyone must continue to play their part in helping to reduce the impact of this pandemic. My key message to everyone is to carry on as normal but ensure you follow the public health advice which has been widely publicised in leaflets, on television and radio and in newspapers.
“Simple but effective measures which the public can take to protect themselves include covering your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze and then put the tissue in the bin and wash you hands with soap and water or sanitising gel as soon you can. The message is simple; Catch it. Bin it. Kill it.
“The Public Health Agency will continue to carry out rigorous surveillance to identify cases and arrange antiviral treatment for cases and their close contacts.
“My Department is monitoring the situation in Northern Ireland; and will take the necessary action to respond to the emerging situation. My officials are working closely with officials in other departments, particularly OFMDFM, as necessary, in order to ensure the wider Northern Ireland response is an appropriate one.
“I will, of course, report again to the Assembly as the situation evolves.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. Further information on swine flu can be found at the DHSSPS website or the nidirect website
2. Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0575. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
