Swine flu hits Thurrock Council offices (From Thurrock Gazette)

Swine flu hits Thurrock Council offices

11:40am Thursday 9th July 2009

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WORKERS at Thurrock Council’s Civic offices have been put on swine flu alert.

Employees at the offices in New Road, Grays have been warned through an internal email that members of staff have contracted the disease.

The offices, which are frequently visited by the public, remain open.

The Gazette reported last week how a number of pupils from borough schools have come down with the disease.

Thurrock Council spokesman, Andy Lever, said: “Thurrock Council can confirm that several members of staff are presumed to have swine flu.

“The council, like all well-prepared organisations, has been carrying out work to ensure it is ready to deal with any major outbreak and this work continues.

“It also has an emergency procedure in place to keep essential services working if a large number of employees fall ill.

“Staff at the council have been reminded there are simple steps everyone can take to protect themselves from viral infections, based on good respiratory and hand hygiene.”

A statement from South West Essex Primary Care Trust (PCT) said: “We can no longer confirm cases of swine flu in specific areas.

“We have moved to a treatment only phase, which means that cases of swine flu are no longer confirmed through laboratory testing.

“Instead, GPs will be using their clinical judgement to determine whether a person is symptomatic of swine flu and will prescribe anti-viral drugs accordingly.

“Across the country, we are now expecting swine flu cases to rise rapidly.”

If anyone suspects they have swine flu, they should check their symptoms at www.nhs.uk or phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

If they are still concerned, they should call their GP. Information is available on the recorded information line on 0800 1513513.

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