Below is the latest information on the    Influenza H1N1  Pandemic (Swine Flu).

     For more information phone the N.H.S. line on 0800 1 513 513 Free cal from most landlines and Mobile phone companies. 

On Wednesday evening the World Health Organisation (WHO) raised its
pandemic alert level to Phase 5. The declaration of Phase 5 is a strong
signal that a pandemic is imminent. In response NHS Enfield has
instituted the Pandemic Flu Plan which is being lead by Dr. Shahed Ahmad,
the Director of Public Health. To date there have been 5 confirmed swine
flu cases in the UK and 230 suspected cases. Nationally investigations and
testing are continuing to determine the severity of the disease and the
ease with which it can spread. These investigations are currently being
undertaken with the support of the WHO. At this stage there is every
indication that the human swine flu, of the H1N1 type, can be effectively
treated with the antiviral oseltamavir (Tamiflu®) and zanamivir (Relenza®).

To date there have been three reported cases in Enfield. None have been
confirmed as swine flu. There has however been one confirmed case in
Barnet, a 22 year old man who is reported to be responding well to
treatment.

The situation in Enfield has been closely monitored and, following the
issuing of a level 5 Pandemic Alert, a decision was taken by the duty
Emergency Management Team Gold Coordinator to activate the Council Pandemic
Flu Committee in accordance with the LB Enfield Pandemic Flu Plan. The
first meeting was held at 1630 hours today (30 April 2009).

The role of the Council Pandemic Flu Team as defined in the LB Enfield
Pandemic Flu Plan is to:

Receive information from the Emergency Planning Officer (EPO),
reporting back from the Multi-agency NHS Enfield Pandemic Flu
Committee, Local Resilience Forum and Civil Protection Partnership
Meetings
Monitor the impact on services and across the borough
Manage the situation as it develops
Define action points based on recommendations and requests from the
NHS
Activate infection control and business continuity measures across
the borough as appropriate
Maintain and arrange the provision of information to staff and the
public via the Customer Services Centre, the website and local press.
Send a representative at the appropriate level to attend
local/regional pandemic control team meetings as requested by the
Health Protection Agency (HPA)

A Corporate Management Board Sub Group consisting of Director ESS, Director
F&CR and Director HASC is being formed to provide an information conduit
between the Council Pandemic Flu Committee and CMB. This group will meet
daily to review developments.

Close liaison has been established with Enfield PCT. Council
representatives attended the initial meeting of the Enfield PCT Pandemic
Flu Committee at 1400 hours today. (30th April 2009). The Health
Protection Agency is monitoring all confirmed cases to examine the
epidemiology and allow the potential progress of the outbreak to be
modelled.

The Council have undertaken all relevant Phase 5 actions required of Local
Authorities that are detailed in the ‘London Regional Resilience Influenza
Pandemic Plan’ and individual Council services have been instructed to
review their Business Continuity Plans to ensure that they are current and
contact details are up to date. Information is being provided to Schools
by ECSL and information will shortly be provided to our staff.

As I am sure you will appreciate this is a very dynamic situation, however
I shall endeavour to make sure that you are kept updated of any significant
developments affecting the Borough.


Cathy Hunnisett
PA to Director of Environment and Street Scene
Environment & Street Scene Department
London Borough of Enfield
( 020 8379 3503
( 020 8379 3475
Website: www.enfield.gov.uk
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