I am sure you will have been following with some concern the worldwide events unfolding about outbreaks of swine flu, and fears that this might trigger a global human flu pandemic. I thought that you might welcome an update on our preparations to meet this crisis.

For the moment we are not aware of any confirmed cases of swine flu in Fiji, or in the other countries for which we have consular responsibility (Tonga, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Kiribati and Nauru) and there are no restrictions on travel. My staff at the High Commission will continue to monitor the situation and keep in close contact with the local health and travel authorities and will post information on the High Commission’s website at http://ukinfiji.fco.gov.uk 

We have put in place a flu contingency plan for the High Commission so that we can try to maintain a basic consular service during the crisis. We hope that this will not be the case, but it is possible that a virus such as swine flu may spread very rapidly, possibly affecting a wide range of countries in a matter of weeks. This could have an impact on the level of consular assistance and the visa service that we are able to provide, not least because some of our own staff may become ill. We aim to provide updates on our post web-site, with links to other appropriate sites. You will note that in the event of a global pandemic, we have concluded that given the potential number of British nationals involved we will be unable to offer repatriation.

We would also not be able to offer any diagnosis or medical treatment. This, rightly, should be the duty of your usual healthcare provider. We suggest that you consider this and make the necessary arrangements, in particular your likely access to anti-viral drugs in the event of a pandemic. British nationals working overseas are advised to speak to their employers about the contingency plans they have in place for a flu pandemic. Such plans may include access to antiviral treatment for employees and/or repatriation to the UK.

In addition to the High Commission website, I suggest you visit the Department of Health web-site at www.dh.gov.uk/pandemicflu, which contains a range of information to help you consider your options in the event of a pandemic. Further information can be found on the World Health Organisation, Department of Health and Health Protection Agency web-sites:

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/pipguidance2009/en/index.html 
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2009/h1n1_20090429/en/index.html

Please visit the websites above. They give important information including helpful advice on how to reduce the risk of infection from an influenza virus. Some tips are:

• Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue where possible.
• Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully;
• Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face, or to other people;
• Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product;
• Making sure your children follow this advice.

Please contact us if you have further queries or need further advice, our main switchboard number is 322 9100. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible during my tenure here in Fiji.

Mac McLachlan
High Commissioner