What help can the British Embassy provide?
It is clear that, should a flu pandemic occur, the virus would in all likelihood spread very rapidly, possibly affecting all countries within a matter of weeks. Given the likely disruption to transport, health services (including the National Health Service in the UK) and other local services, the level of consular assistance and the visa service which we can provide might be significantly reduced, not least because some of our own staff may be ill. In certain circumstances we may have to close the British Embassy temporarily to prevent the spread of infection. We have a contagious disease contingency plan for the Embassy which includes a provision for maintaining a basic consular service in such circumstances. You will wish to be aware that in the event of a pandemic the British Government has concluded that we will be unable to offer repatriation, given the potential number of British nationals involved. Nor would we be able to offer any diagnosis or medical treatment. This, rightly,
