Swine flu alert goes out to schools

Schools nationwide are on notice and Queenstown Airport is ramping up border controls as the global swine-flu alert grows.

The Ministry of Health is tomorrow sending letters to schools outlining what swine flu "will mean for schools when the infection starts to spread in New Zealand".

At least 11 schools in Australia had been closed,as confirmed cases there mushroomed to 303 yesterday.

Victorian Health Minister Daniel Andrews said yesterday most of the new cases were children, aged five to 18.

New Zealand's Ministry of Education renewed advice to schools last week to be prepared for swine flu.

"The recent outbreaks of swine flu are just the latest reminder that the potential for a pandemic is real," the ministry said. "If you haven't done so lately, now is the time to check your school or [early childhood] service's pandemic plan. Ensure it's up to date and that everyone knows what to do if the virus appears at your school or ECE service."

Principals' Federation president Ernie Buutveld said it was prudent for schools to review their processes.

The rapid spread of the disease in Australia had led to concerns over Queenstown's preparedness for a winter influx of tourists.

Health Ministry national incident controller Steve Brazier said that as confirmed cases of swine flu in Australia grew, it would become harder for New Zealand to contain the spread.

Screening was already in place at Queenstown Airport but would be stepped up for the ski season, Brazier said.

Buutveld said Queenstown schools were on notice.

"New Zealand has been lucky because most of the people coming into the country from countries affected by swine flu come through Auckland," Buutveld said. "But Queenstown is going to be opening up to the ski season soon and their international airport may not be quite so prepared to handle that same response."

Total past cases in New Zealand remained at nine, with all cases fully recovered.

Total probable cases were 10 and there were 30 further suspected cases, with 23 people in isolation or quarantine being treated with Tamiflu.

The Ministry of Health said the continued growth of the disease around the world made it increasingly difficult to keep influenza A (H1N1) out of New Zealand.

- © Fairfax NZ News