The World Health Organisation has raised the alert level for Swine Flu (H1N1) to Phase 6.

Phase 6 reflects the global extent of Swine Flu and is put in place when there is a certain level of geographical spread of confirmed cases worldwide. The change in level does not reflect a change in the severity of the virus but it does signify a world pandemic has begun.

Within the UK we have not seen widespread activity, although there have been a small number of outbreaks, which have been mainly school related. 

Lincolnshire County Council’s Head of Emergency Planning David Powell said: “The council along with the health community and other partner agencies has been preparing for the risk of a pandemic flu for the past five years, and has comprehensive plans in place to respond to this evolving situation.”

“Currently, the small numbers of confirmed swine flu cases reported in the region have only shown mild symptoms and we do not have evidence of widespread community transmission.  LCC is working closely with colleagues through the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum (LRF) and we continue to prepare our own business continuity arrangements.   The preparations in place, and those we are continuing to make, will help to ensure we respond well, supporting Health colleagues and members of the public particularly vulnerable to the virus.”

East Lindsey District Council has a flu plan in place and its Business Continuity Recovery Team will be working closely with Emergency Planning colleagues throughout this pandemic.

The most important thing we can all do is to practice good respiratory and hand hygiene, which helps to reduce transmission of all viruses.  This includes:

Ensuring that you wash your hands regularly with soap and water.

• Using tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your elbow in the absence of a tissue.
• Place used tissues in a bin as soon as possible and re-wash your hands.

If you are showing signs of flu, please call NHS Direct, do not visit your GP or go to hospital unless you are critically ill or are advised to do so.

NHS Direct 0845 4647

Downloads

Swine Flu contingency business advice
Flu Friend Poster