EMBASSY COLOMBO EAC MEETING MAY 6, 2009

UNCLAS COLOMBO 000506 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/RD/SCA, DS/DSS/ITA, M/MED, CA AND SA/INS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC CASC AMGT SUBJECT: EMBASSY COLOMBO EAC MEETING MAY 6, 2009 REF: STATE 006306 ¶1. (SBU) Summary: AmEmbassy Colombo convened an Emergency Action Committee (EAC) meeting on May 6, 2009. The EAC discussed post's security posture in light of the recent outbreaks around the world of the H1N1 influenza and post's Pandemic Influenza tripwires. The EAC discussed the H1N1's current impact in Sri Lanka, Maldive, and Southeast Asia. The EAC also discussed the Consular Section's concerns regarding the health of Consular staff, as well as health screening of arriving passengers as the international airports in Sri Lanka and Maldives. End summary. ¶2. (SBU) On May 6, 2009, AmEmbassy Colombo convened an EAC meeting. Present for the meeting were the Charge, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Acting Regional Security Officer, Regional Affairs Officer, Political Officer, Economic Officer, Management Officer, Consular Officer, Public Affairs Officer, USAID Director, Defense Attache', Marine Security Guard Detachment Commander, International Broadcasting Bureau Station Chief, Community Liaison Officer, and Medical Officer. The agenda items for the meeting were: -- Post's tripwires for pandemic influenza response -- Assessment of screening procedures at the major international airports in Sri Lanka and Maldives -- Health of Consular Section staff ¶3. (SBU) The EAC reviewed the guidance provided in reftel and determined that post is at the stages described for Tripwire ¶2. The EAC agreed that post has taken the proper steps up to this point, which included issuing a Warden message. The EAC concurred that it is too early to hold a Town Hall meeting. The EAC agreed that post should continue to monitor suspected and confirmed cases of H1N1 regionally and take further actions when warranted, including convening a Town Hall. Currently, the closest confirmed case of the H1N1 is in Japan, and unconfirmed cases in India and the Philippines. Post will follow guidelines per reftel and the Emergency Action Plan for future actions. ¶4. (SBU) The Consular Officer (CONS) explained to the EAC that screening of arriving travelers at the airports in Sri Lanka and Maldives seemed to be ad hoc. The thermal imaging equipment at Sri Lanka's major international airport was not working and was undergoing repairs. Maldives' international airport does not have thermal imaging equipment. ¶5. (SBU) CONS also noted that, due to the nature of their work environment, CONS staff have increased the use of anti-bacterial agents and hand cleansers. Applicants who sick will be instructed to reschedule interviews without a penalty of repaying fees. ¶6. (U) Post will continue to monitor the security environment and the spread of the H1N1 influenza regionally. Post will report further developments, if any, septel. POC for this message is Acting RSO Aaron LaFortune, who may be contacted at 94.11.249.8885, 94.11.249.8888 (MSG Post 1 after regular business hours),or via the classified and unclassified email systems. MOORE