Govt declare H1N1 situation as health emergency

> What does a national health emergency mean?

The Government has declared the Influenza A (H1N1) virus situation a health emergency because of persistent community-level transmission of the virus where there are between 200 and 400 new confirmed cases daily.

During this situation, individuals with influenza-like illnesses such as flu, fever and cough must wear a mask and practice self-quarantine by staying home and avoiding contact with family members until the symptoms subside.

> How long would the emergency last?

The emergency will last until local transmissions can be reduced to below 200 confirmed cases per day and when no related deaths have occurred for a period of time.

> What is a national curfew?

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the Government will only

consider declaring a national curfew if A (H1N1)-related deaths exceed 0.4% of the number of confirmed cases multiplied by 20.

This is to take into consideration that for every one case reported, there could be 20 which are not.

> What will happen during a curfew?

A temporary closure of public places such as shops, schools, universities, libraries, shopping complexes and public events during a specified period of the day will be ordered during a curfew.

> Who has the authority to declare a national curfew?

The National Security Council chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will declare a national curfew based on input and recommendations from the Health Ministry. (TheStar)