Croker chiefs reveal swine flu protocols as pandemic fears rise

CROKE PARK chiefs revealed that special protocols and procedures have been put in place at the stadium in response to the swine flu pandemic.

Two people have died in Ireland from the H1N1 flu virus with fears that approximately 1,000,000 could suffer from the illness over the autumn and winter.

Health Service Executive (HSE) officials insist there is no cause for panic and are adamant there is no reason why schools should not reopen as planned for the new term, despite fears over the disease.

The next month represents the busiest spell in the Croke Park calendar with back-to-back All-Ireland SFC semi-finals over the next two weekends, followed by the championship hurling and football deciders along with finals in the U21 HC championship, camogie and ladies football.

But Croke Park stadium director Peter McKenna last night revealed the stadium have been proactive in dealing with the situation.

“We have been in consultation with the HSE for the last number of months.

“We have installed special anti-bacterial hand washes in all of the bathrooms in the stadium. These are the same as the ones you would find in hospitals nationwide.

“We have also HSE posters all over the building containing advice on the dos and don’ts in relation to dealing with swine flu. There is no play book on this, we just have to use best practice.”

Some GAA followers may have concerns about being in Croke Park on big match days due to the contagious nature of the flu. However McKenna pointed out large gatherings of people are continuing in every facet of life.

He reasoned: “We cannot shut the country down. People will still find themselves in large gatherings even if they don’t go to matches. Buses and trains will continue to run. People will still go to mass and go to work. The key is for people to take the proper precautions.

“We also have contingencies on our own team – if one our two of our staff become sick we have people on standby to replace them; many big companies have such staff substitution programmes.

“On a personal level your heart goes out to people that have suffered tragedy because of the disease.”

“We have been advised thoroughly by the HSE. Everything they have asked us to do, we have done.”