Expatica news

Belgian army deployed against swine flu

Army trucks are taking antivirals and face masks from the national storage depot to distribution centres in every Belgian province. 

Later the drugs and masks will be handed on to GPs and local care centres across Belgium.

Ingrid Baeck, spokeswoman for the Belgian armed forces, says 30 troops and 15 vehicles are involved in the operation: "We’re distributing 900,000 face masks and 90,000 doses of antivirals.

"Open the door with your elbow"
Meanwhile businesses are promoting anti flu tips. The financial group Dexia is encouraging its staff no longer to shake hands. It’s also suggesting that buttons can often be operated using the knuckle instead of the finger tip. Doors can also be opened by using the elbow instead of the hand.
The Belgian railway company too is prepared. 100,000 face masks have been ordered. Train conductors are being handed disinfectant gel and an emergency timetable has been drawn up in case too many staff are off work.
At the pharmaceutical group Janssen Pharmaceutica doors are being equipped with screening equipment that can measure the temperature of staff passing through the door.

flandersnews.be/expatica