H1N1 Virus Swine Flu Information
The World Health Organisation has raised a global pandemic alert level to Phase 5 up from Phase 4 in respect of a new strain of H1N1 virus, called “swine flu” acknowledging a sustained human to human transmission and signalling a “significant increase in risk of a pandemic.” As well as Mexico cases have since been confirmed in Canada, New Zealand, Israel, Spain, the United Kingdom, Austria and Germany. Outbreaks may occur in other countries.
Further information about “swine flu’ can be obtained from the World Health Organisation website http://www.who.int/en/
The increasing level of concern regarding the sudden spread of “swine flu,” which has been reportedly linked to claiming a number of lives, has required the University to reconfirm its overseas travel requirements.
Normal DFAT travel warnings for levels 4 and 5 still apply. Please check this website before considering travel http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au.
All requests for overseas travel irrespective of the destination must have a copy of the latest
DFAT warning for that area attached.
The University community is reminded that no University personnel will have official travel
approved to any area that carries the warning of DO NOT TRAVEL as insurance cover cannot be
obtained.
Travel to areas with a travel warning of RECONSIDER YOUR NEED TO TRAVEL will be treated on
an individual basis upon receipt of a risk analysis provided by the traveller and supported by their
delegated approver. However, approval will not be granted if the traveller is required to pass
through any area designated DO NOT TRAVEL.
Travel by students will not be permitted to travel if the warnings are either DO NOT TRAVEL or
RECONSIDER YOUR NEED TO TRAVEL.
Under the University’s “Duty of Care” it will closely monitor the “DFAT” Global Warnings and
Traveller Advice re Health and Worldwide Civil Unrest. The Vice Chancellor, retains the right to
alter defer and/or cancel, any staff, student and visitor travel arrangements either existing
or proposed.
Further information will be provided as required. Please contact Dick McCarthy in respect of travel
queries on extension 2161 or email: rmccarth@une.edu.au