Government Preparing for Possible Influenza Pandemic

News Release – September 2, 2009

The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to ensuring the health and safety of its citizens and to maintain key public services and to minimize service and economic disruptions in the event of a possible outbreak of pandemic H1N1 influenza this fall and winter.Government-wide preparations include a strategy for timely and consistent information sharing with the public and key stakeholder groups, a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities in the event of more serious disruption caused by influenza, and ensuring that all ministries and Crowns and affiliated agencies have updated pandemic plans to make certain that critical business functions are maintained.

A special cabinet committee chaired by Health Minister Don McMorris has been established to oversee the pandemic preparations in government and Crowns.

The Ministry of Health continues to work closely with the federal government, health regions, First Nations and other partners and agencies to finalize pandemic preparations for the health sector. Planning priorities include stockpiling of supplies, vaccine and antivirals, addressing surge capacity in acute care facilities and occupational health and safety of all health care workers.

The Ministry of Health has measures in place for ongoing surveillance for pandemic H1N1 influenza in the province, with enhanced surveillance established for remote communities including First Nations reserves.

“Even though most cases to date have been mild to moderate, we encourage people to take an active role in protecting and monitoring their own health and the health of their family, friends and co-workers by practising good infection prevention measures,” Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Moira McKinnon said. “We don’t need to be alarmed we just need to be aware.”

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For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083

Judy Orthner
Corrections, Public Safety and Policing
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5883