China revives fight against swine flu

BEIJING - China is further calling on government bodies and the public to continue fighting the H1N1 flu epidemic by various means, including free vaccination and allowing flexible work hours.

In a notice issued Thursday by the General Office of the State Council called on all government departments and large-scale companies to come out with plans to deal with possible outbreaks, such as allowing flexible work hours and sequential leave to employees.

Provincial finances should take care of the expenses related to vaccine production and inoculation, the notice said, adding that government will offer applicable subsidies to the middle and western regions.

The vaccination would be free and with recipients’ prior consent, it said.

The notice also said that railway, aviation, transport and tourism departments should draft plans to handle epidemic emergencies in the context of strong human migration.

Schools should be suspended “reasonably” if outbreaks happen, it said.

It also required provincial governments to appoint qualified hospitals to admit H1N1 flu patients and use hotels or schools to take in patients if hospitals are full.

At a video-phone conference on swine flu prevention Thursday, Vice Premier Li Keqiang also stressed the implementation of preventive measures.

Li called for strict control of outbreaks in communities, improved treatment for patients with heavy symptoms, and enhanced prevention at major venues and events, including the National Day celebrations on Oct 1.

Researchers should closely track the changes in the epidemic, both in and outside China, to make scientific judgment for the prevention work, Li said.

By Wednesday, China had reported 6,457 cases of swine flu. About 64 percent of the patients had recovered and no death had been reported.