Roadtown, Tortola - The people of the Virgin Islands (UK) have been advised to remain vigilant regarding the Influenza A H1N1 virus that has now reached the Caribbean, and has spread to more than 20 countries around the world.

The Territory’s Pandemic Influenza Committee remains on high alert and maintains its efforts to safeguard the health of the population.

The World Health Organization is urging all countries to “remain vigilant as the Influenza A (H1N1) virus spreads around the world”. The global authority said the pandemic alert remains at Level 5, which clearly signals the need for countries to respond and continue to mitigate the effects of the virus, although there is no need to restrict travel or close borders.

Officials from the Ministry of Health and Social Development have visited all public schools on Tortola to sensitize and train the staff and students on proper hand washing techniques. Plans are in place to visit schools on the sister islands in the coming week.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Irad Potter said while it is true that the Territory does not have any cases as yet, the world is a global community and the possibility for the new Influenza A H1N1 to make its way to the Virgin Islands (UK) remains real. He therefore advised the people of the Territory to remain vigilant.

“All sectors, agencies, and families are encouraged to complete their Pandemic Influenza Plans, paying special attention to strategies to control and limit the spread of the influenza virus and to ensure business and organizational continuity, in the face of this global threat to public health,” noted the Chief Medical Officer.

Meantime, the local Influenza Pandemic Committee is scheduled to meet next Monday, 18 May.
Government has spent the last few weeks distributing information in the form of brochures, flyers, posters, and health alert cards throughout the community. Updated information continues to be made available through the electronic media and via the Department of Disaster Management’s website at www.bviddm.com.