15.07.09 PM rules out draconian measures to contain H1N1 spread
Source: TNA
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)
| 
