PM rules out draconian measures to contain H1N1 spread

BANGKOK, July 15 (TNA) – Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Tuesday affirmed the government would not yet take draconian measures to contain the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic.

Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, he said his government would not yet impose such exceedingly harsh measures as temporary closure of schools and entertainment places and suspension of social activities as part of efforts to fight the spread of the new virus strain.

Instead, it would place a great emphasis on screening and giving care to A(H1N1) flu patients.

The government will rely upon the diligence and ethics of Thailand’s medical professionals,  public officials and citizens to respond to the challenge of the pandemic without officially closing such a range of public places.

“Should schoolchildren and personnel in state agencies and private companies become ill from the A(H1N1) influenza, they can leave without having to submit a sick leave and a medical certificate.

“We will rather keep watch on patients because we have the view the proposed closure of schools and entertainment places is not a key solution to the problem. It can neither guarantee the schoolchildren or personnel will stay home,” said the premier.

Mr. Abhisit allowed the A(H1N1) influenza pandemic spread would drag on until the end of this year.

Although the flu death toll is expected to exceed 0.4 per cent of the number of infected people, he said, it would not surpass 1.5 per cent, which is the standard level that requires an imposition of the drastic measures.

Asked how families of influenza victims would feel regarding the government’s hesitation to impose the drastic measures, he said: “This government does not want anybody to die from the virus. All personnel have worked hard to contain the virus spread. But they need to adjust their performance periodically because the A(H1N1) influenza is a new type of virus strain and people are not immune. (TNA)