Australia - NSW Premier Morris Iemma lashes out on biological threats

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Australia - NSW Premier Morris Iemma lashes out on biological threats
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21312550-5006784,00.html
<CITE>Ean Higgins</CITE>
March 02, 2007​

NSW Premier Morris Iemma today announced a new assault on bio-terrorism and the risk of an Avian flu or SARS pandemic with a $3.7 million special medical unit and $10 million to create a secret stockpile of protective equipment.

A high security laboratory at Westmead Hospital will contain airlocks, biological test equipment and ultra isolation rooms.

The stockpile will include high filtration face masks, procedure gloves, protective eye wear, disinfectant hand rubs and procedure gowns which will be held at an undisclosed secure location.

Mr Iemma said the security was necessary to prevent terrorists trying to get their hands on such equipment.

"In times of crisis our vital frontline workers must be given the highest possible level of protection when they are placing themselves at risk of infection from bioterror agent and other diseases," Mr Iemma said.

"These threats cannot be ignored and our experts advise that pandemic influenza remains a real threat worldwide and to NSW," Mr Iemma said.

The Premier said the new facilities would allow highly trained microbiologists to safely handle and identify any human infectious diseases while remaining fully protected from germs.
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