BELIZE: EAC PREPARATION AND STATUS UPDATE FOR H1N1 FLU -

UNCLAS BELMOPAN 000164

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR DS/IP/WHA, DS/IP/ITA, D, P, M, CA, S/CT, INR, AND WHA/CEN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AEMR KFLU AEMR ASEC CASC AMGT AMGT BH
SUBJECT: BELIZE: EAC PREPARATION AND STATUS UPDATE FOR H1N1 FLU -
TWO MEETINGS


1. Summary: The EAC convened on April 28 to review the information
known about the H1N1 flu virus outbreak, and to review post's
Tripwires for Pandemic Flu. The EAC decided to restrict travel of
American personnel and their families to neighboring Mexico and
Guatemala until further notice as a precaution. The EAC agreed to
meet daily. A Town Hall meeting was called to inform all mission
employees and family members about the medical facts of the flu and
the embassy's response and preparedness. On April 29, four virus
samples were sent from Belize to CAREC for testing. Additional
samples will be sent today. End summary.


2. On April 29 four samples (two from Belize City, one from Orange
Walk, one from San Pedro) were sent to the Caribbean Research and
Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) in Trinidad for testing of the type A or
B flu virus (a finding of type B would eliminate the possibility of
H1N1 virus). The results should be back later today to the regional
medical coordinator in Belize, Dr. Paul Edwards, Epidemiologist. If
the test reveals the virus is type A, they will test for seasonal
flu virus. If seasonal flu viruses are then eliminated, they will
send the sample to CDC to determine the virus type. The lab also
has several samples ready to be sent to CAREC today, April 30.


3. On April 28 in response to the H1N1 flu outbreak in Mexico, the
EAC met to review the tripwires for Pandemic Flu and determine what
actions by the EAC were appropriate at this stage. Because Belize
borders Mexico, the tripwires state that post must regard the
Mexican outbreak as if it were an outbreak in Belize. The EAC
discussed, and agreed to impose, a restriction on all American
personnel and their family members on travel to Mexico, and also to
Guatemala, as it borders both Belize and Mexico. Families at post
make frequent trips to Mexico to shop.


4. The EAC further determined that daily EAC meetings were
necessary to monitor developments closely, share information among
agencies, and review the mission's posture on travel, public
services, and preparedness.


5. By direction of the EAC, hand sanitizer solution was locally
procured and will be distributed to all consular personnel and to
the local guards manning the principal entrances to the consular
area and the Chancery. Gloves will also be provided to the guards
at the consular entrance and to consular personnel.


6. The Military Liaison Office (MLO) reported that they had 1000
Personal Protection Equipment kits en route to post. The Consular
Section issued a Warden message in accordance with guidance from
CA.
The EAC ordered a test of the all-mission cascade system the evening
of April 29. GSO double checked the emergency supplies stored on
the housing compound. The embassy supply of diesel fuel was just
replenished and is at maximum capacity. A small supply of Tamiflu
has been pre-positioned on the housing compound as Belize has a
three-day weekend, May 1-3.


7. At the second EAC meeting, April 29, it was decided to
quarantine an FSO scheduled to return this weekend from vacation in
Mexico. As a precaution he will be told to stay at home on the
housing compound and supplied with Tamiflu and masks until the
incubation period is over.
The Peace Corps Director reported that his PCVs have been told not
to travel to Mexico or Guatemala. He also underscored the
importance of Whereabouts Reporting. Peace Corps has its own supply
of Tamiflu stockpiled.


8. A Town Hall meeting of all mission personnel and family members
was held on April 29. The Embassy's Locally Employed nurse
presented the medical facts about H1N1 flu, its symptoms and
treatment. She also instructed everyone on personal hygiene
practices that can reduce one's chance of contagion. The Embassy is
well supplied with Tamiflu, masks and gloves. Everyone was advised
to stock up on food and other emergency supplies in the event that
the EAC calls for a sheltering-in-place response.

DIFFILY