# 3367
Given the swift spread of the H1N1 virus here in North America and parts of Europe, that New Zealand was able to keep the number of swine flu cases this low after 7 weeks is pretty remarkable.
But there are limits to what any country can do as far as containment of an influenza virus is concerned. You can fight a delaying action, but that’s about all.
Recognizing that the number of cases continues to rise, New Zealand is preparing to change their strategy from `containment’ to one of `management’.
Christchruch Hospital braces for influx of flu patients
By KIM THOMAS and BECK ELEVEN - The PressLast updated 05:00 20/06/2009
DAVID HALLETT/The Press
GETTING READY: Dr Mick Ozimek and nurse Kelly Maw prepare to meet patients.
Christchurch Hospital is setting aside more than 20 emergency beds and an isolation ward for swine flu victims.
Canterbury health officials said yesterday they were no longer able to contain the spread of the disease and had upgraded their pandemic plans to manage it in the community.
People will no longer be tested at airports, quarantined or given Tamiflu.
Only the most serious cases will get medication, and others who suspect they have the virus will need to take care of themselves at home.
A large flu centre has been opened in central Christchurch to deal with suspected victims referred by their general practitioner.
Health Minister Tony Ryall said yesterday he would increase the pandemic level from containment to management on Monday to reflect the spread of the disease.
Canterbury and Wellington, where one person is critically ill in hospital with swine flu, moved to change the pandemic level earlier because there have more cases than in other regions.
There were 59 confirmed cases in Canterbury yesterday, with another 20 people suspected of having the virus.
The total number of confirmed cases nationwide reached 216 yesterday up 63 from the day before while another 18 cases were considered "probable" and 643 people were suspected to have the virus. Christchurch Hospital acting general manager Ruth Barclay said six rooms in the emergency department had been set aside for swine flu patients. The hospital could extend the number of emergency beds by 18 if required.
