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| Swine flu plans being stepped up | |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| Northern Ireland is stepping up preparations for an outbreak of a swine flu pandemic. | |
| Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said masks and protective clothing were being sent out to doctors' surgeries and all should be equipped by Friday. | |
| The move follows the World Health Organisation's (WHO) decision to raise the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase four to five. | The move follows the World Health Organisation's (WHO) decision to raise the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase four to five. |
| "It is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent," he said. | |
| He said that the masks being sent to surgeries were equipped with respirators. | |
| "The key advice is if you are feeling unwell don't go out of the house, stay at home, ring the GP and the GP will look after you," he said. | |
| He added that the current medical advice was that the paper-type disposable masks featuring in coverage from the outbreak in Mexico would be of limited use in preventing infection. | |
| "You would find a handkerchief just as useful," he said. "And it may give a false sense of security." | |
| Control centre | |
| Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Elizabeth Mitchell said a Northern Ireland swine flu helpline will open at midday to give advice. The free-phone number is 0800 0514 142. | |
| "The key message to the public is not to be alarmed but to be prepared for a potential pandemic," she said. | "The key message to the public is not to be alarmed but to be prepared for a potential pandemic," she said. |
| "Evidence to date suggests that, other than in Mexico, the majority of cases have had a relatively mild flu-like illness which responds well to treatment with anti-virals. | "Evidence to date suggests that, other than in Mexico, the majority of cases have had a relatively mild flu-like illness which responds well to treatment with anti-virals. |
| "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. | "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. | "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 anti-virals to treat up to 50% of the population and are rapidly moving to buy enough to treat 75%." | "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 anti-virals to treat up to 50% of the population and are rapidly moving to buy enough to treat 75%." |
| The results of two tests for suspected swine flu in Northern Ireland will be known later on Thursday. | |
| On Wednesday, 11 possible cases tested negative. Four people in the Irish Republic were also given the all-clear. | On Wednesday, 11 possible cases tested negative. Four people in the Irish Republic were also given the all-clear. |
| An emergency control centre has also been set up at Stormont to deal with any outbreak. | An emergency control centre has also been set up at Stormont to deal with any outbreak. |