Are there recommendations for widespread closures of public spaces to help prevent H1N1 transmission?
Currently, it is not felt that widespread closures/cancellations or other broad restrictions would be of sufficient benefit to warrant the many costs these measures would entail. The evidence supporting measures such as widespread closures and broad restrictions on public gatherings (e.g. theatres, parades, sporting events, etc.) is limited and therefore potential benefits remain theoretical. Encouraging ill people not to attend gatherings and ensuring processes are in place to safely isolate and transport people who become ill on site remain the most important measures to prevent transmission. If the epidemiology of the disease changes and the virus becomes more virulent, particularly in certain age groups, these recommendations will be reconsidered along with other social distancing strategies. The potential benefit of cancellation must be weighed against the known high economic and social costs of these measures. Additionally, ethical issues including undue burden on specific popula
