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China to allow flexible work hours in fight against flu

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-09-10 22:55

BEIJING: China is further calling on government bodies and the public to continue fighting the A(H1N1) flu epidemic by various means, including free vaccination and allowing flexible work hours.

Government bodies and large-scale companies are required to make plans to deal with possible outbreaks, such as allowing flexible work hours and sequential leave, according to a notice issued by the General Office of the State Council Thursday.

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Provincial finances should take care of the expenses related to vaccine production and inoculation, the notice said. Central finance would offer applicable subsidies to the middle and western regions.

The vaccination would be free and with recipients' prior consent, it said.

It also stressed the importance of prevention work in Beijing and other major areas that are involved in the National Day celebrations on October 1.

Railway, aviation, transport and tourism departments should draft plans to handle epidemic emergencies in the context of strong human migration. Schools should be suspended "reasonably" if outbreaks happen.

The notice required provincial governments to appoint qualified hospitals to admit A(H1N1) flu patients and use hotels or schools to take in patients if hospitals are full.