City Hall has announced that London Mayor Boris Johnson is to hold a meeting with “representatives from key public health agencies” on Monday, saying the Mayor “wants to ensure that everything possible is being done to support London businesses, organisations and individuals in relation to swine flu.”
In a statement issued by City Hall on Friday, the Mayor said: “The most recent developments in the progression of swine flu across the country have inevitably increased public concern. By now many of us will know of someone who has been affected by swine flu, but equally we will know that the majority of these people have fully recovered after a few days rest at home.”
”As we enter the next phase of swine flu treatments I will be meeting representatives from key public health agencies on Monday to ensure that all London businesses, organisations and individuals are as prepared as possible. I want to reiterate that we can all play an important part by following the simple NHS guidelines.”
In April Johnson decided to reverse his predecessor’s decision to hold a separate stock of Tamiflu to ensure the continued functioning of key services in the capital, opting to donate the GLA’s entire holding of the drugs to central Government.
City Hall is unable to confirm whether the Mayor plans to revisit this decision in light of worsening infection rates.
NHS advice
NHS in London has issued the following general advice on reducing the transmission of all viruses, including the human swine flu:
- Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when 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.
