'Don't change domestic travel plans due to swine flu'

4 Jun 2009, 6:55 pm   -   Source: AAP
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The health minister is urging Australians to take greater care with their personal hygiene (Getty)

The health minister is urging Australians to take greater care with their personal hygiene (Getty)

The federal health minister has urged the public not to change domestic travel plans, as the number of human swine flu cases head towards 900.

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The federal health minister has urged the public not to change domestic travel plans, as the number of human swine flu cases head towards 900.

As of Thursday afternoon, Victoria alone had a total to 752, according to the state's health department, with the next closest state being NSW with 74.

Victoria now sits in the same category as Mexico, Panama and Japan.

Nicola Roxon said six Victorians who tested positive to the virus had been hospitalised, but all were recovering well.

No travel restrictions in place

There are no travel restrictions in place within Australia or for people arriving or departing the country.

"We have a clear view, and this is based on the medical advice, that people should not change their travel decisions within Australia," Ms Roxon told parliament.

"Given the relatively small number of cases, it is important that we encourage people to continue with their normal lives while taking appropriate personal precautions."

Personal hygiene the key

The best way to avoid the spread of any type of flu is to maintain good personal hygiene measures like regular washing of hands, Ms Roxon said.   

On Wednesday, Victoria's pandemic status changed from contain to a modified sustain level. The majority of swine flu cases are in Melbourne's northern suburbs.

Victorian Premier John Brumby has described as "bizarre" a decision to quarantine children for seven days who are returning to several states from Victoria.

The national swine flu hotline - 180 2007 - is fielding about 4,000 calls daily.

There are 19,273 confirmed swine flu cases globally.
 

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