Since Saturday 13 June there has been a bus load of travellers in quarantine at Kotuku Hostel at Seaview.
The group were in quarantine because one person on their bus had a suspect case of swine influenza A (H1N1). That person was isolated and cared for elsewhere. Tests have now confirmed that this person did not have swine flu, so the travellers are being released from their period of quarantine and will be free to continue their journey.
The passengers were put in quarantine as, being on the bus, they were contacts of the suspect case. They have not been unwell themselves. All have been taking a precautionary course of Tamiflu.
Keeping this group of travellers quarantined was a way of protecting the community from the risk that some of the group may have been incubating swine influenza A (H1N1) and been able to pass it on. Like normal seasonal influenza, swine influenza A (H1N1) is passed on by droplet transmission so simply keeping them away from close contact with others was a prudent precaution.
Please be assured that this group posed no risk to the community due to their being in quarantine.
Anyone with any personal health concerns regarding the swine flu should contact Healthline on 0800 611 116.
For more information please contact
Bryan Jamieson
Community Liaison Officer
West Coast DHB
PO Box 387
Greymouth 7840
Phone (DDI): (03) 769-7665
Mobile: 027 245-9595
Email: