The National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) will be stood down in response to the "steady reduction" in the number of cases of swine flu, it has been announced.
In what will be interpreted as a sign that the outbreak in Britain is largely over, the flu hotline and website will be switched off on February 11.
Cases have been falling steadily and most people who have become ill have suffered relatively mild illness, although Sir Liam Donaldson, the Chief Medical Officer, has warned against complacency.
Health Minister Gillian Merron said the NPFS could be re-activated in seven days should it be needed.
People who suspect they have swine flu will be directed to their GP instead of the antiviral collection points from next week, she added.
In a written ministerial statement to MPs, Ms Merron said: "The Department is today announcing the decision to stand down the NPFS with effect from 1am on February 11 2010.
"This is being done in response to the steady reduction in the estimated number of swine flu cases in the community and is in line with our overall aim of ensuring the operational response is appropriate to the level of threat posed by the virus."
https://www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk/Default.aspx(National Pandemic Flu Service)
