During a visit to Belfast International Airport this morning, the Minister said staff at the ports and airports had pulled out all the stops to ensure that staff from the Public Health Agency were able to hand out leaflets and be on hand to offer advice to returning travellers.
The Minister said: “I realise that the public and in particular people who are returning from Mexico and other swine flu affected areas, are concerned about recent developments. The Public Health Agency has worked extremely hard to ensure it has staff on hand to provide important health advice and reassurance to returning travellers. Environmental Health Officers from local councils have also been drafted in to continue to keep travellers informed about this ever changing situation.
“I must also thank everyone at Belfast International Airport and all the other ports, airports, bus and train stations across Northern Ireland for enabling all this to happen. They have all made considerable efforts and worked very closely with the Public Health Agency to ensure that the public is fully informed about the swine flu situation.”
Following the announcement from the World Health Organisation that the current level of influenza pandemic alert had been raised from phase four to five, Northern Ireland has been stepping up its pandemic preparations.
The Minister continued: “A major hand hygiene advertising campaign was launched yesterday and provides essential information to the public on how to prevent the spread of infection. Simple, effective measures such as frequent hand-washing with soap and water and using a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when sneezing can help reduce the spread of flu.
“The Northern Ireland Swine Flu helpline is up and running and has received several hundred calls already from people who either have returned from swine flu-affected areas, or have relatives still on holiday in affected areas. Public health staff have been on hand to offer medical advice and reassurance to all those who have called.
“An information leaflet is also due to be sent to all households in Northern Ireland next week. I would ask the public to read this leaflet carefully and to keep it in their house.
"The key message to the public is not to be alarmed but to be prepared for a potential pandemic. We have been planning for a situation like this for some years. In fact, the UK is recognised as among the best prepared for any potential pandemic. The preparations we have in place and are continuing to make, will help us respond well in the event of a pandemic.
"GPs across the country have been notified and made aware of the symptoms and what to do if they suspect a patient has pandemic flu. We have also purchased enough antivirals to treat up to 50% of the population and are rapidly moving to buy enough to treat up to 75%."
Notes to Editors:
1. Further information on swine flu can be found at the nidirect and DHSSPSNI websites.
2. The Northern Ireland helpline is 0800 0514 142. This freephone helpline is for those who have recently returned from Mexico and other swine flu affected areas and are worried and need more information.
3. In addition to the Northern Ireland Swine Flu Helpline number above, there is a UK-wide helpline where you can hear advice on swine flu. The freephone is0800 1 513 513.
4. Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0579/ 028 9052 0575/028 9052 0074 or out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
