AH1N1 threat prompts RP post in Osaka to suspend operations

MANILA, Philippines — The threat from A(H1N1) has prompted the Philippine Embassy in Osaka, Japan to suspend consular operations for four days, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Tuesday.

In its update for Tuesday, the DFA said the Philippine Embassy in Osaka cited "public safety" in its decision to suspend such operations from Tuesday to Friday.

"Post decided to suspend consular operations from 19 to 22 May 2009 in the interest of public safety," it said in an update posted on the DFA website (www.dfa.gov.ph).

But it said it will maintain a skeletal force at the office during the suspended operations period and will continue to receive assistance to nationals (ATN) cases and other emergency consular transactions.

On the other hand, the embassy said it is contacting leaders of the Filipino community in western Japan to request their assistance in disseminating information to their respective constituencies.

"Consulate staffs were instructed to remain confined at their respective residences within the 4-day period to avoid unnecessary travel and to take all precautions to maintain their state of health," it added.

The Philippine Embassy noted there have so far been 130 reported laboratory confirmed case of A(H1N1) infection in Japan.

It added there have been 96 reported confirmed cases of A(H1N1) in the Kansai Region (Hyogo and Osaka), affecting the cities of Kobe and Ibaraki.

"A Japanese influenza expert estimates there could be more than 1,000 new influenza cases in Japan," it added. - GMANews.TV

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