Rhode Island Governor Carcieri Comments on the State’s Swine Flu Preparedness

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April 28, 2009 -- Rhode Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri and Dr. David Gifford, Director for the Rhode Island Department of Health, today assured Rhode Islanders that the state is prepared to deal with an outbreak of swine flu, should one occur. To date, there have been no confirmed cases of swine flu in Rhode Island.

“The Department of Health is leading the state’s coordinated effort and will continue to monitor the situation closely,” said Governor Carcieri. “Our health officials are well prepared to manage the situation. It is important for the public to be informed of how to prevent getting swine flu – wash your hands frequently, cough into your elbow and stay home if you are sick.”

The Department of Health has established the Rhode Island Coordinating Task Force to coordinate increased surveillance and response to health care reports, communicating in daily conference calls with the New England Health Commissioners and with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Department of Health is keeping in close contact with healthcare providers, hospitals, schools and others to make sure suspected cases are reported. The Governor receives regular updates from Dr. Gifford and the Department of Health to make sure that the state is as well prepared as possible.

In addition, the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency has activated the State Emergency Operations Center at “Level 2,” to assist the Department of Health with additional resources as well as the Departments of Education, Administration, Environmental Management.

Information on swine flu and the latest news and updates can be found at: www.health.ri.gov www.cdc.gov/swineflu www.who.int

Source: Rhode Island Governor