BRITISH EMBASSY MANILA COMMUNITY NOTICE
We are sending this message to British Nationals who have registered on the LOCATE website as being in the Philippines
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is coordinating the global response to human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) and monitoring the corresponding threat of an influenza pandemic. *Comprehensive advice and information on the current situation can be found on the WHO website.
On 29 April the WHO raised the pandemic alert level to phase 5. * This is characterized by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region.
To date there have been no reports of suspected cases of swine flu (H1N1) in the Philippines.
In order for you to keep up to date on any further developments, you should closely monitor the Foreign & Commonwealth Office travel advice: www.ukinthephilippines.fco.gov.uk for our latest advice. There is also a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website.
The following websites can also provide any additional information (please click on the links):
World Health Organisation
UK Department of Health
Health Protection Agency
National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC)
General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the human swine influenza. This includes:
· covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible
· disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
· maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people
· cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product
· making sure your children follow this advice.
How this epidemic could affect, if at all, The Philippines and how serious it would be as a health risk worldwide is far from clear. But things could change rapidly, and we wanted British Nationals in the Philippines to have the best sources of information and advice available to them. Depending on developments, there is a possibility that the level of consular assistance and visa service which we can provide may be significantly reduced, or in certain circumstances we may have to close the Mission temporarily to prevent the spread of infection. We will let you know if the situation disrupts our operation, but for the time being it is business as usual.
Please note that we are not able to offer any medical treatment or supplies. You should seek local medical advice if you feel it necessary. The British Government will not be in the position to offer evacuation of British Nationals in the event of an influenza pandemic.
If you have further questions, please email us at DLManila-ConsUn-Cleared@fco.gov.uk
Could I also use this opportunity to remind you that only you can update your details on Locate using your user name and password. If you do not wish to receive further notifications like this, you should access the database and amend your details. And please understand that annual renewal is required, but an automatic reminder is sent to you as a prompt every 12 months.
Locate website: www.fco.gov.uk
Joanne Finnamore-Crorkin
HM Consul
4 May 2009
