Australian High Commission
Singapore
High Commission address: 25 Napier Rd, Singapore - Telephone: 6836 4100 - Fax: 6737 5481

MEDIA RELEASE: 5 June 2009

Australia rolls out robust measures to respond to the spread of H1N1 influenza

 

Australia has introduced robust measures to respond to the spread of the H1N1 virus. There are still only a small number of confirmed cases in Australia, with relatively mild symptoms. There is no need to restrict travel to Australia.

The H1N1 virus has now been confirmed in many parts of the world and the global response is focusing on minimising the impact of the virus.

While official alert levels have been raised in Australia, there are still only a relatively small number of confirmed cases, and the symptoms people are experiencing are relatively mild.

In response, the government is taking active measures to contain the spread of the virus within Australia such as:

1. border protection;

2. seeking out and caring for people with this influenza infection;

3. finding and protecting their contacts and;

4. where needed, community interventions such as temporary closures of schools.

More information on these measures is available at www.health.gov.au.

Neither the Australian Government nor the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends restricting travel as a result of the H1N1 virus. Australia remains open for business and continues to welcome travellers, students, business visitors and officials from around the world. Industry reports to date indicate there has been no immediate change to airline or accommodation bookings.

Australia is one of the best prepared countries in the world for a pandemic and has robust plans in place to deal with the influenza outbreaks and prevent transmission in the community.

Australian authorities have installed thermal scanners at international airports to rapidly identify cases, isolate them and provide appropriate medical care to prevent the introduction of the infection from areas where it is spreading overseas.

Australia has one of the largest stockpiles of anti-viral medication in the world which has been developed to support the health response and control of a pandemic influenza. There is no intention to deploy the stockpile as there is no influenza outbreak in Australia and these drugs are readily available through pharmacists.

The Australian Government is continuing to review the public health response and stands ready to escalate the level of response if required.

Australia is providing an additional AUD$3 million to the WHO to respond to the current international outbreak of H1N1 Influenza 2009.

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