On September 8, 2009, the 25th meeting held by Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) for pandemic influenza A (H1N1) was convened by the Vice Premier Cheng-Hsiung Chiu of the Executive Yuan.Several government agencies, including the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the Ministry of National Defense, the Department of Health, the Ministry of Education, the Central Personnel Administration, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, participated in the meeting to discuss response measures to be implemented by public transportation and military base, treatment mechanism for patients with influenza, school closures and relevant response measures, leave policies at government agencies, and supplies of facemasks and ear/forehead thermometers sold in the market.Several topics discussed and decisions reached in the meeting are as follows:
1. Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) epidemic update in Taiwan: Currently, 42 cases of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection are hospitalized for treatment.
2. Medical care: Since the number of cases of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) has been on the rise, the number of patients visiting emergency department of the hospital has also increased.Hence, the government has requested the designation of clinics for treating patients with influenza-like symptoms in cities and counties in the nation.About 1500 such clinics have been designated.In addition, hospitals have also been requested to establish outpatient services for treating patients with influenza-like symptoms to help accommodate the number of patients visiting hospitals for influenza-like symptoms. CECC once again urges that when using influenza antiviral drugs and rapid diagnostic test kits in accordance to the recommendations outlined in the Guidance for Treating Pandemic influenza A (H1N1), the associated fees are financed by the government budget, which are not limited by the payment of the National Health Insurance.
3. School closures:As of September 7, 2009, a total of 195 schools have been closed (2.4%), a total of 251 classes have been canceled (0.15%), and 42 classes have been resumed. The Ministry of Education continues to reinforce health education concerning the prevention of pandemic influenza A (H1N1).
4. CECC provides all kinds of health education materials concerning the prevention of pandemic influenza A (H1N1), covering hand hygiene and cough etiquette.The Government Information Office has been asked to help promote the prevention of pandemic influenza A (H1N1).The public is urged to follow the relevant prevention measures.The related health education materials are available for download on the CECC website (http://www.h1n1.gov.tw).