Decision on new measures today

NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The technical committee on influenza A (H1N1) chaired by Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican will sit for the fifth time today to decide on the introduction of new stringent measures to be put in place in view of the World Health Organisation's recent declaration of a H1N1 pandemic.
"When we want to introduce new stringent measures, we must discuss with all the relevant authorities whether they are in agreement with the decisions.
"If they are in agreement and find it necessary, then we will make the announcement," he told the New Straits Times.
He said any decision reached will not inconvenience the rakyat but would take into consideration national security.
Dr Ismail expressed concern on local transmission of the disease with more imported cases being reported.
"The more imported cases we have, the more likelihood there is of it being locally transmitted."
When this occurs, he said more stringent measures must be put in place.
The director-general said the technical committee will decide today on the screening of passengers on board aircraft arriving from countries reporting local transmissions and high number of confirmed cases.
If the technical committee decides on the screening, then aircraft arriving from these countries would be allowed to land but passengers would have to remain on board until health authorities screen and give them the green light to disembark from the plane.
Anyone found with fever or other symptoms of the disease would be referred immediately to one of the designated hospitals for further diagnosis. If the person was confirmed positive, the ministry will decide on the next course of action, which includes home quarantine.
Dr Ismail said although the disease was very contagious, the severity of it was considered moderate.
However, he added, Malaysians should not be complacent as the second wave of the disease may come with a vengeance.
When this occurs, he said, the situation may not be controllable.
Dr Ismail stressed that the current H1N1 pandemic was a kind of "grace period" for all countries to check their capabilities, readiness and resources in handling a major pandemic.