Public forums and a media blitz are in the pipeline to inform people about the risk of a flu pandemic.

Health Minister Patrice Minors (pictured) said that panel discussions and a mail-drop are also planned to ensure Bermuda is prepared for a crisis which could disrupt society and the economy.

But Shadow Health Minister Louise Jackson has called for more to be done contrasting the Island's response to the extensive pre-planning of the US and European countries.

And she wants to know what Bermuda, so heavily reliant on the US for food and other supplies, would do if the States closed its borders as has been included in its phased strategy should avian flu become a human-to-human virus.

According to the World Health Organisation, the world is on the verge of an outbreak that could kill up to 7.4 million people. A flu pandemic happens when a new subtype emerges that has not previously circulated in humans, and there are concerns about Avian H5N1 ? commonly known as bird flu. There is a widespread and growing outbreak in several continents, with cases found in poultry populations in Asia, Africa and Europe. Human cases have been confirmed and there are concerns that it could become contagious among humans and spark a pandemic.

Mrs. Minors told the House of Assembly yesterday that a pandemic could lead to absenteeism in the workforce, including critical positions, and this could affect the delivery of essential services.

"Planning is necessary to mitigate the potential impact of pandemic influenza on the community and minimise social and economic disruption," she said, outlining plans for the information campaign.

"Public notices will be regular and become more frequent as the pandemic threat increases. A further household mailing is planned for June which will outline the threat of an influenza pandemic for Bermuda and the personal preparation and protective measures which can be taken by individuals and families."

She said the Ministry had taken a number of steps together with other agencies to plan for the threat. These include:

Establishing a committee to oversee the development of a national contingency plan

Identifying organisations and individuals who would play a key role if a pandemic hits the Island

Guidance notes have been sent to the Chamber of Commerce and over 400 local businesses in March. A further mailing will go to community and faith-based organisations this month.

Both the Bermuda Hospitals Board and the Department of Health have developed draft plans and staff from the Department have met with Island physicians to provide information on planning and surveillance.

The Minister added that both the Chief Medical Officer and the Government Veterinarian attended a "bird flu" summit in Washington DC earlier this year and the Assessment Officer with the Department of Health is currently participating in an Avian Influenza Risk Communication Workshop in Jamaica, sponsored by the Pan American Health Organization.

But Shadow Health Minister Mrs. Jackson gave the Government's preparations an "F" grade after investigating the preparedness of other countries through Internet searches. She made mention of the US, which goes into such details about employees working from home, millions of vaccinations being stockpiled and even a contingency to print US dollar bills outside of the USA.

The UBP MP contrasted that with Bermuda. She said: "A lot of things could be shut down, including Parliament. What is the plan if the banks are no longer able to function? What if the US closes its borders? We could be in trouble getting food and medical supplies. What happens if businesses start to close down?

"I'm just asking that we get on a par with other countries around the world."

Telecommunications Minister Michael Scott responded, saying: "She makes the point for the Minister (Minors) by referring to the plans being prepared by the larger countries such as the US and Europe.

"The fact they are making plans protects Bermuda. I wish she would take the point and stop making idiotic references to countries of that size. We have 60,000 souls and have made it clear who would be responsible for the delivery of the plan."

But his attempt to dismiss Mrs. Jackson as alarmist was countered by Shadow Minister for Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety Maxwell Burgess who said: "There is no vaccine around in Victoria Street. The point we are trying to make is that other people have a plan and are getting on with it. Those countries with populations of millions have plans, we have only 60,000 people so I would think that we would be getting on with it faster."