Nation's Governors Meet To Discuss Swine Flu Response

Governors work to coordinate containment efforts

PARKINS, CEA--The nation's governors are hoping a team-effort to contain the swine flu pandemic will pay off.

On Friday, the governors, from all eighteen states and two territories, met in Parkins, Ceona, to discuss the handling of the pandemic. Currently, there are 45 cases of the swine flu in Grassadella. Twelve of those are in Damoign, followed by six in Armana, five in Trinton, four in Monomi and Lial, and three in Veroche, Ceona, and Province of Grassadella. Biereland, Deschire, Harvannah, Kalnier, and Wellington each have one case. Five states--Carova, East Deschire, New Portsmouth, Remmington, and Wilkonshire--have reported no cases.

Grassadella's two territories, the Wexlar Islands and Banford and New Ambley, also have no reported cases.

At the emergency meeting, Gov. Donna Almone (C-POG), Chairwoman of the Governors' Board, asked her colleagues to "aim for 100 per cent containment, but prepare for pandemic." Almone added that the situation is "adverse, but not chaotic, at this point."

Damoign Governor Sid Hoffa (CNS), told reporters his state, which has the most documented cases, is taking proactive measures to make sure the ill don't spread their illness.

"In Damoign, we are taking very proactive steps to ensure that none of these people who are infected will pass it on. We have quarantines in place, and we are preparing for a wide-scale response, if it is warranted," he said.

Many governors cited concern, but stressed the situation not dire.

"Of course, this is a very scary situation and a lot of people are afraid," Armana Governor Dale Fulbright (CNS) said. "But the message we're trying to get across today is that people should be cautious, but they shouldn't panic."

Gov. Mark De Auonne (N-TRI) echoed Fulbright's words.

"I know, for example, in the state of Trinton, a lot of people are concerned. But we want to remind everyone that we are doing all we can and the government is working around-the-clock on this thing."

Three governors--Gavin Gymbal (CNS) of Lial, Christine Gabler (NAT) of Ceona, and Linda Van Auhn (NAT) of Veroche, announced they will be holding emergency sessions of the legislature to free up funding for the response process.

"I've asked the state legislature to hold an emergency session tonight to deal with the situation at hand, and my guess is they will free up that funding that is necessary for our state's response," Gabler told the GBC.

Monomi Governor Scott King (NAT), who has been embroiled in a corruption and prostitution scandal back home in Treeton, did attend the conference, but was unusually silent. King testified Monomi's health department is working with immigration officials to ensure no infectious people crossing the border from Tundra or West Woodward make their way into his state. Afterward, King refused to talk with reporters, only saying he is "focused on doing the work of the people of Monomi."

President Menuhaeo was not present at the conference, but did make an appearance via satelite. He told the governors he is "deeply concerned" about the swine flu outbreak, but confident the government's response will be adequate.

"I'm working with [Public Health] Secretary [Pamela] Warren and with others to make sure this does not have the outcome that we've seen in other countries," Menuhaeo said.

The end of the conference brought about an agreement between the governors that their governments will work together to contain the pandemic. Specifically, the governors agreed unanimously to coordinate communication between each state's health agencies.

Chairwoman Almone also reassured her colleagues she is working "overtime" with President Menuhaeo and Public Health Secretary Dr. Pamela Warren, to formulate a united and cohesive response.

"This is an emergency, and the last thing we need is for government bureacracy to impede our containment efforts," Almone said.

Secretary Warren is scheduled to hold a joint-press conference with President Menuhaeo tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. EGST. GNN will have live coverage.