Swine flu - call for calm approach

"We don't need to get into a bind about it," said health portfolio holder Cllr Heather Caird (Con, Fernhurst).

She was responding to a question from Cllr Julie Tassell, who asked if the district was advising parish councils to have an action plan for swine flu.

"I know our local church is putting action plan together," added Cllr Tassell (Con), who represents Funtington.

Cllr Caird said the district council was not specifically recommending parish action plans.

"This is flu, and we have had flu around in the world all our lives," she told the council.

"The only difference between this and other flu is that it is more contagious, and so is likely to be much more widespread. We must remain practical and reasonable about this."

People needed to protect themselves from getting flu from other people, and to avoid giving it to others if they had it.

"If you feel ill, stay at home and don't spread it among friends and colleagues," she urged.

"We don't consider there is a need to recommend parish councils to put emergency plans into place for something we have had in our lives a long time."

The concerns were for people with underlying health problems, and for the very young and very old, who must protect themselves.

"We should remain calm and reasonable about this process," said Cllr Caird.