This Is Guernsey

By Thom Ogier

BUSINESSES should put their contingency plans into action now that swine flu has hit Guernsey, according to a disaster control expert.

MSD International managing director Dick Bush (pictured), whose company advises organisations that include States bodies, said immediate action was needed.

On Sunday a man was confirmed as Guernsey’s first case.

‘As soon as I hit the road tomorrow I will be on to all my clients and suggesting they implement their plans urgently,’ said Mr Bush.

‘We will advise any companies that don’t have one.’

He said people should not panic but should be prudent.

‘Everywhere else that there has been an odd case it has spread.

‘If someone has caught it that suggests it is in the island, especially if that person went back to work.’

He said there were simple things to do. ‘The most obvious involve hygiene and cough etiquette and people listening to the director of public health’s advice.’

Director of public health Stephen Bridgman said there was no sign that the virus had spread in Guernsey so far.

His advice was for businesses to ‘dust off’ their contingency plans and for people to be hygienic and considerate.

People who were about to fly home to Guernsey and had flu-like symptoms should get checked before departure.

Dr Bridgman said there would be more cases in Guernsey, but perhaps not yet.

‘People think it will be more likely to spread in autumn and winter because the conditions will be more suited to its advancement.’

It seems most likely to affect those under the age of 45.

‘Young, fit people are likely to get over it, though we don’t want to be too complacent.’

‘Smokers should quit now,

so that in about six weeks the cilia [projections from cells in respiratory tracts that smoking can paralyse] can come back into use,’ he said.

‘Without them you are more likely to get coughs.

‘If we were to get an outbreak in autumn, it would be a good idea to give up now.’

Guernsey International Business Association chairman Paul Meader urged its members to be prepared.

‘Most companies will already have plans in place should large numbers of staff be off ill for a prolonged period,’ he said.

Specsavers was prepared, according to a spokesman.

‘We are continuing to monitor the situation, and staff have been reminded to be hygienic.

‘We now have special gels in our bathrooms to use to help stop the spread of infection.’

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Article posted on 23rd June, 2009 - 2.29pm