Latest News Swine Flu in Wairarapa - Not if But When Wairarapa District Civil Defence is advising Wairarapa residents to prepare for the arrival of Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu, with Civil Defence Controller Kevin Tunnell saying ‘it’s not a case of if but when’ the new flu virus hits the Wairarapa.  “Public Health has requested the Wellington Region Civil Defence organisation to assist with welfare needs.  The Wairarapa Civil Defence Emergency Management Operations Centre has today been activated to respond accordingly,” Mr Tunnell said.  “It’s commonsense that the three Wairarapa authorities; South Wairarapa, Carterton and Masterton councils work together to address welfare needs during this potentially difficult period, when up to 30% of  our Wairarapa population may be affected over the next two-month period, Mr Tunnell said.  He added that it was important that residents understand that Health is the lead agency and that the Health Line is the first point of contact for people with health and welfare concerns (0800 611 116).  “Health Line will assess public health needs and make referrals as required. And the Civil Defence management team has plans in place to meet welfare requirements as they arise.  “Here in the Wairarapa our Civil Defence operation has good structure, contacts and volunteers to respond to this event,” Mr Tunnell reminded residents.  Masterton Mayor Garry Daniell said despite no reported cases of the swine flu here YET (Friday June 19, 2009), Wairarapa people should already be considering their readiness should a friend, neighbour, workmate or member of their family contract it.  “And the old adage ‘prevention is better than cure’ couldn’t be more true in this current situation.  By washing your hands often and avoiding others’ coughs and sneezes, you are helping protect yourself and your family,” Mr Daniell said.  He added: “We’re known for our community spirit here and now is a good time to make sure you have your own household prepared.  Stocking your own shelves with vital foods and medicines and assisting elderly neighbours and relatives to do the same was one way to help,” he added.  Mayor Daniell also confirmed today that Masterton District Council had a team in place to guide the Council’s response if the flu began to disrupt life for Masterton District people.  “We’ve got measures in place to make sure the essential services like water and rubbish collection are not affected and places like the library also have systems in place to minimise the spread of the virus. He said Council CEO Wes ten Hove had confirmed all staff at the Council were being made aware of what they could do to minimise their exposure and rosters were being prepared where necessary to ‘make sure we have our bases covered’.  Council staff could work from home if necessary and some services which were non-vital to daily life could be closed temporarily if this could help limit the spread of the flu virus.  Anyone affected by the virus would need to stay at home for at least seven days.   Key messages being echoed by Civil Defence and the Council had come from the Ministry of Health.  Residents should be considering the following:  food and basic supplies Ensure now that you have at least seven days food and basic supplies at home, or that there is someone who can get them for you. This includes baby supplies, pet supplies, tissues and toilet rolls, paracetamol or ibuprofen, cough syrup, throat lozenges etc.  care of dependents You may feel so unwell that you will be unable to care for people or animals you are responsible for. You should make alternative arrangements for their care now. Ask others in your family or community, friends or neighbours to help you. essential services (power, gas, phone) Because you will be at home for a week, make sure you will have power and gas for heating your home and cooking food, and other essential items like phones. Make arrangements to cover these things now. If a bill has to be paid while you’re sick, arrange for someone to go and pay it.  social support You may need help from other people when you are ill. Ask your friends or family, neighbours, colleagues or community group (eg church or sports club) to help. When you recover, you can help others who are sick. 19 June 2009