Queensland moves into swine flu protect phase

22 June 2009

BRISBANE, June 22 AAP - Queensland health authorities will pull back border quarantine measures as it downgrades it's swine flu phase in line with the rest of the country.

Premier Anna Bligh says while Queensland is moving into the protect phase on Monday, it will keep its policy of school exclusions and school closures in place until Friday.

"Queensland will continue our containment provisions for another six days which means will get to the school holidays, which gives us another fortnight where we don't have children mixing with each other in infectious environments at schools," Ms Bligh said.

"(As part of the protect phase) we'll be working with the relevant health authorities - whether they are in indigenous communities or major cities - to ensure the appropriate precautions and treatment are available."

Across Australia health authorities are pulling back measures such as border nurses and focusing on protecting those most at risk from the disease.

A WA Aboriginal artist is believed to be the first Australian to die from swine flu at the weekend.

There are fears the virus could be fatal for people in remote Aboriginal communities who already have chronic health problems.

The number of cases of swine flu in Queensland has topped 300, with 17 more diagnosed so far this weekend.

Original article: CCH News - http://www.cch.com.au/