Four swine flu cases have been reported in Bermuda since June 1.

Two residents and two tourists have been diagnosed with influenza A (H1N1) all received treatment and have recovered.

The incidences have prompted Government to distribute hand sanitisers in its offices, said Health Minister Nelson Bascome at a press conference yesterday.

"To date, Bermuda has sent 17 specimens for testing to the Caribbean Epidemiological Centre and seen four confirmed cases of influenza A.

"This includes two local cases and two cases involving visitors to Bermuda. All four of those cases were handled appropriately by the Department of Health and King Edward VII Memorial Hospital officials working together, and all of them made a full recovery.

"Bermuda will see additional cases. We have many visitors from overseas and as we all know, Bermudians are very well travelled."

The World Heath Organisation (WHO) has reported almost 60,000 cases of swine flu. Three hundred and eleven people have died as a result.

In order to reduce the risk of infection Mr. Bascome recommended people practice good hygiene methods washing hands regularly and covering one's mouth when coughing.

He also recommended people start to prepare for the possibility infections will increase in the fall and think about alternative childcare arrangements in case schools closed.

The Minister also encouraged people to visit the doctor if they think they are infected.

But Mr. Bascome added: "Don't panic... the present status of H1N1 is no more severe than the normal winter flu that we experience."

In an effort to reduce infection the Ministry of Health is installing hand sanitisers in Government departments for use by the staff and members of the general public.

He said: "Although it may seem too simplistic to be relevant, all of the research shows that a proper regime of hand washing or hand sanitising with an alcohol-based solution will help to stall the spread of germs.

"This is extremely important if we are to attempt to limit the extent to which H1N1 influenza impacts our community."