UNCLAS CANBERRA 000423

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR H1N1 MONITORING GROUP, AIAG FOR WINN; STATE
PLEASE PASS DHHS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KFLU AEMR ASEC CASC KFLO TBIO KSAF KPAO PREL
PINR, AMGT, MG, AS
SUBJECT: MGSF01 AUSTRALIA H1N1 SITREP APRIL 30 2009

REF: A. SECSTATE 42324

B. SECSTATE 41745

C. CANBERRA 415

D. CANBERRA 419


1. (SBU) The following is the latest SITREP covering
Australia's response to the H1N1 outbreak.


2. (SBU) Government Response: Following a determination by
the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer, Health Minister Roxon
ordered thermal scanning equipment placed at eight airports
in Australia to go into operation at 1800 Australian Eastern
Standard Time on April 30. Starting May 1, all arriving
passengers will be required to fill out health declaration
cards on arrival to assist in screening. Positive pratique
measures were extended to all arriving international flights.


3. (SBU) Case Count: As of 1200 hours, there were 114
suspected cases of H1N1 in Australia. There are still no
confirmed cases of H1N1.


4. (SBU) Post Actions: Post has taken steps to have
information on Australian screening and containment measures
added to the Country Information Sheet (once cleared by CA)
and to the Electronic Country Clearance system.


5. (SBU) Consular Issues: No ACS issues were reported today
related to H1N1 or screening procedures.


6. (SBU) Public Diplomacy: H1N1 remains a key media topic.

CLUNE