New Zealand Swine Flu Update
Posted on 05. May, 2009 by Campbell in Industry News, What's New?
The New Zealand government has moved quickly to respond to cases of Swine Flu in New Zealand. A small number of people in New Zealand have tested probable or are suspected of having the illness – all have been isolated and treated promptly.
As soon as the Government was notified in late April of suspected cases from students visiting Mexico, it moved quickly to put students in isolation and treat them.
All those who tested positive are reported to be recovering well, with most of the student expected to be out of isolation from 5 May. In addition, the Government is monitoring a number of probable and suspected cases who have shown flu like symptoms. All have been treated (given Tamiflu) and told to stay at home.
The New Zealand Government says this is a matter the Government is treating with the utmost caution and concern. This is a threat NZ has planned for and, as a result was able to respond quickly and effectively.
Within New Zealand it is business as usual, and people are just getting on with life. The Government’s position is that this situation is a concern which they are managing carefully, but that there is no need for alarm.
People within New Zealand and visitors are being advised to take normal health precautions. Systems are in place to care for anybody (New Zealanders and visitors) who develops swine flu. All New Zealand international airports are open and operating normally and that there have been no cancellations of international services into New Zealand as a result of the influenza outbreak.
The tourism industry is operating as normal. Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key said New Zealand had got on top of cases quickly. Mr Key said his view was that it was still “very safe” to travel to New Zealand.
Source: Tourism New Zealand