Plan aims to limit impact of swine flu

Safeguarding essential services and supplies for the Isle of Man will be a major challenge in a local swine flu pandemic.

That's the conclusion of a government strategic plan on coping with, and recovering from, widespread sickness caused by the virus.

The plan suggests up to one in five of the Island's workforce could be absent from work at the peak of a serious flu outbreak and it looks at the effect that might have on the supply of essentials like food, water and fuel.

Also addressed in the report is the need to maintain emergency medical care, transport links and the communications network.

The Island's Director of Public Health Dr Parameswaran Kishore says the plan aims to ensure normal life continues as much as possible: