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T in the Park takes steps to tackle swine flu

Festival goers who are diagnosed with the bug to be asked to leave the event to prevent spread of virus.

09 July 2009 10:06 GMT

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T in the Park takes steps to tackle swine flu

Plans have been put in place to prevent an outbreak of swine flu at T in the Park.

Revellers who are diagnosed with the bug will be asked to leave the festival in a bid to stop the virus spreading.

As part of contingency plans in the wake of this year's Glastonbury festival, where three people displayed symptoms and were sent home, arrangements will also be made to convey those with the flu home.

With around 85,000 people attending the festival each day - including 65,000 at the Balado campsite - plans have been put in place to reduce the risk of a major outbreak.

However, NHS Tayside are confident their preparations will avert serious problems.

Dr Drew Walker, the health board's public health director, said: "As is the case every year, there is a medical team on-site at Balado. Anyone presenting to medical staff with flu-like symptoms will be assessed and treated as necessary.

"It is worth remembering that not everyone who has flu-like symptoms will have influenza A (H1N1).

"However, if the medical team diagnose the virus then festival-goers will be asked to leave the site and arrangements made for them to travel home."

He added: "Festival-goers are encouraged to practice good hygiene by washing their hands or using anti-bacterial hand gels regularly and covering their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.

"NHS Tayside would like to reassure festival-goers that the risk to the general public remains very low and the vast majority of people contracting the virus are experiencing mild symptoms and recovering quickly.

"Finally, we hope that everyone attending the festival stays well and has a really enjoyable weekend."

The festival gets under way on Friday, and stv.tv will be bringing you all the T in the Park news and action throughout the weekend.

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