A message to all staff from Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins AO
 

International travel and H1N1 flu virus

12 June 2009

I am writing to you concerning possible restrictions on international travel to and from Melbourne, Victoria resulting from the actions of some Governments to the spread of the H1N1 virus.

Australian staff and students would be aware from recent media coverage, for reasons yet to be established, Victoria and Melbourne in particular is showing a relatively high prevalence of people suffering from the H1N1 flu (although unlike other countries where the virus has been established there have been no deaths reported to date in Victoria).

The Victorian Department of Human Services at http://humanswineflu.health.vic.gov.au/downloads/swine_flue_sustain_phase_press_ad.pdf has advised that as part of its “modified sustained” response phase, the following:

• The virus has so far been mild and can be compared to our normal winter flu;
• There is no longer a need to quarantine everyone who has been in contact with a confirmed case of swine flu;
• Only people with influenza will need to be quarantined for three days and will continue to be

Separately the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General has most recently determined that it was appropriate to continue the existing WHOTemporary Recommendations, namely:

• That all countries intensify surveillance for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia.
• Not to close borders and not to restrict international travel. It is considered prudent forpeople who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following travel to seek medical attention.
• That the production of seasonal influenza vaccine should continue at this time, subject to re-evaluation as the situation evolves.

Nevertheless, other states of Australia and other countries, particularly Singapore, have in recent days issued travel advisories requesting that all non-essential travel to or from Melbourne should be deferred. At this stage no similar travel advisories have been issued by any of the countries in which Monash has campuses, however this may change in the near future.

Monash will always comply with the requirements and directions of the governments of the countries/states in which we operate. As such, Monash may have to issue revised travel advice consistent with government direction in certain countries, over the next few weeks and months.

However at present consistent with the recent WHO recommendations, that international travel should not be restricted; staff or students contemplating international travel should continue to undertake international travel as planned, with the exception that if travel is to or via Singapore, they should comply with the Singapore government’s direction that non-essential travel should be deferred.

However again consistent with the WHO recommendations, international travel on university business MUST NOT be undertaken by staff (or students) if a staff member or student is unwell.

Monash will continue to monitor travel advisories issues by international Governments and update our travel advice accordingly. For further updates on travel arrangements, please go to http://www.adm.monash.edu.au/ohse/news/swine-flu.html