Government told H1N1 could potentially paralyse the UK
July 14, 2009
m.direct.gov.uk
If the swine flu reaches the epidemic proportions that are being predicted, sections of UK society could grind to a halt, experts have warned the government.
Emergency services leaders and business executives met with Whitehall leaders, informing them that more than one-third of all businesses in the UK do not have response plans for dealing with a swine flu pandemic. In addition, they noted that there are major concerns regarding the ability of Britain’s broadband network and the London Underground to operate effectively during this type of situation.
The meeting followed the announcement last week that the first Briton had died from the disease, having no underlying health problems. The victim, from Essex, was the 15th to die from swine flu-related causes.
Sir Liam Donaldson, the government’s chief medical officer, said: “This death underlines that, although the virus is proving generally mild in most people, it is more severe in some cases.”
Doctors are warning that the rate of infection in London and the West Midlands is already reaching epidemic level, and that several million Britons could fall ill with either swine flu or seasonal flu by the end of this year. This would mean the closing of schools and transport and other vital services, and put GP surgeries under severe strain.
Thanks to www.guardian.co.uk for the above quotes, for more information on this article please visit their website.
m.direct.gov.uk
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