Following the WHO decision to raise the pandemic flu threat level to stage 5‚ I am writing to reassure you of the steps the University has taken to address this issue. The University’s Crisis Management Team has met to review our existing plans for a pandemic and to identify any areas where further action may be required. At the moment‚ there is no evidence of swine flu affecting any of our staff or our students and we are taking all appropriate advice from the NHS.
In the event of a pandemic having an effect on University staff or students, then the Crisis Management Team will manage the situation‚ and you will be briefed regularly via email and the online Noticeboard on SUSSED. There is no need for staff to take further action now‚ apart from following the generic good health advice issued by the NHS.
I would‚ however‚ like to reiterate the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s travel recommendations. They are now advising against all but essential travel to Mexico. I do not forsee any travel on University business falling into this category. Any individuals planning to visit Mexico on University business during this state of alert must discuss the issue with me or with David Williams, Dean of MHLS and Vice-Chair of the Crisis Management Team. If any staff or students have recently returned from Mexico then they should follow the advice issued by the NHS to monitor any potential symptoms If any staff or students have recently returned from Mexico and have flu-like symptoms, they should follow the NHS advice to stay at home and call their GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.