The Tasmanian Government today urged businesses across the State to start preparing their workplaces for a future pandemic flu outbreak.

The Deputy Premier, Lara Giddings, visited a workplace in Burnie to launch the Government’s Pandemic Flu Action Plan, website and business tool kit.

Ms Giddings said the risk of pandemic flu is real and the State Government is taking the threat seriously.

“A flu pandemic happens when a new flu virus infects humans and spreads easily from person to person. Because it’s a new virus our bodies don’t know how to fight it and there is no vaccine," Ms Giddings said.

“While we can not predict when, another influenza pandemic will happen. On average there have been around three pandemics each century and the results of each one have been devastating.

“For example, the 1918 Spanish Flu killed about 50 million people world wide. The most recent pandemic occurred in 1968, when about 1 million people around the world died from the Hong Kong Flu.

“The illness is far worse than normal, seasonal flu and causes widespread illness, deaths and social and economic disruption”.

Ms Giddings said that the Government had been working hard to prepare for pandemic flu, and was encouraging business, the non-government sector and all Tasmanians to do the same.

 “The Action Plan and website launched today give businesses an insight into the demands government and employees will place on them during a flu pandemic.

“Sample fact sheets and posters clearly spelling out these requirements are now available at www.pandemic.tas.gov.au

“Businesses need to think about how essential work can still be done with less staff – up to 25% of Tasmania’s population may be directly affected at any one time through either having the flu themselves or caring for a loved one with the infection. 

“Businesses also need to consider ways to protect their employees at work”.

Ms Giddings said today’s call to arms extended beyond the business sector to the entire Tasmanian community.

“To limit the impact of the next pandemic everyone needs to be prepared – so Tasmanians should get into the habit of washing their hands frequently, covering their coughs and talking to their children about how to protect themselves.

“In terms of planning by Government, public announcements and advertisements advising Tasmanians of what they should do during different stages of a pandemic have been developed.

“We have had valuable support from the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Small Business Council of Tasmania to understand the needs of business.

“We have also had excellent cooperation from the Divisions of General Practice to ensure GPs are prepared.

 “A special hotline (1800 FLU DOC: 1800 358 362) will be put in place for both general advice and preliminary medical advice.

“Flu clinics will be set up around Tasmania to prevent the spread of infection and stop people simply turning up at their local GP or hospital emergency department.

“Quarantine and border arrangements are also being progressed.

“Together we can ensure Tasmania is in the best position possible when pandemic flu hits,” Ms Giddings said.

Pandemic Flu Facts:

Recognise the main signs of flu:

• Sudden onset of FEVER (temperature above 38 degrees)
• COUGH
• FATIGUE (extreme tiredness)
• BODY ACHES

Simple ways to stop the spread of flu:

• GET VACCINATED
• COVER YOUR COUGHS AND SNEEZES
• WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN
• STAND BACK FROM PEOPLE AT WORK AND IN PUBLIC
• STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK

For further information go to www.pandemic.tas.gov.au