Scotland is currently one of 160 countries to have cases of Swine Flu / H1N1. There are no restrictions on travelling to or around Scotland and it remains open for business and continues to welcome visitors.

Situation

The situation in Scotland remains stable, although there has been a rise in GP consultations to around 114.2 per 100,000 (an increase from last week’s figure of 105.6).

It is estimated that around 21,500 people have contacted the virus in the past week, with 150 hospitalised.

The overall rate for Scotland is only slightly higher than would be expected at this time of year and is still much lower than the rate expected at the height of a normal, winter flu outbreak, when it can climb as high as 600 consultations per 100,000 people.

Vaccination and Planning

A programme of vaccinations is underway with a total of 1.3million people identified as priority groups in the first phase.   A recent poll by VisitScotland showed that only one fifth of businesses have developed a continuity plan for pandemic flu but that around 71% felt they could cope with estimated absence levels.    However, revised guidance for the ‘worst case scenario’ impact of Influenza A H1N1 across the UK shows a decrease on the previous planning estimates for  the clinical attack rate (now 12%, down from 30%); and for suggested workforce absence rates (now 5%, down from 12%). VisitScotland promoted a webinar (an on-line seminar) on Swine flu in its last monthly e-update.

Vaccination Poster

The seminar, developed in conjunction with the Scottish Government, Business Gateway and other business organisations was accessed by more than 50 businesses.

International feedback shows that markets are positive about travel to Scotland and that there have been no reports of significant cancellations.    In South America, where the virus first struck, Mexico is running an $85m recovery campaign “Welcome back to Mexico” and Argentina has launched a campaign to encourage visitors from Brazil.

VisitScotland continues to monitor the situation through the Scottish Tourism Emergency Response Group and through feedback from our industry facing staff.

Additional information and advice

Given the potential impact, you need to plan now for the impact of flu on your business:

• Understand which functions are critical to the survival of your business;
• Know how you will staff and resource these should employees go off sick or be caring for family members who are ill;
• Talk to suppliers and subcontractors about steps they are taking to ensure you get the products and services you need;  
• Make sure staff know what to do if they get sick, how to avoid passing on the virus and when they should return to work; and
• Consider your customers' needs and how you will keep them informed of any disruptions.

Tourism businesses may find it helpful to refer to the Scottish Government website which has specific information on Advice for Businesses and also the Business Gateway website which has a downloadable document of NHS guidance for employers in the workplace from the Cabinet Office website.

Other links:

World Health Organisation website

Foreign and Commonwealth Office website

Swine Flu Q&A - NHS website

Information on number of cases and areas

Posters on swine flu available to download

Health Protection Agency's website

Phone Numbers

An Influenza A - H1N1 information line is available on 0800 1 513 513 and a dedicated team is available on NHS 24 on 08454 242424.

Feedback

If you receive any feedback from visitors related to H1N1  we would be grateful if you could please contact visitscotland@visitscotland.com

Issued 18 November 2009