The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) has been monitoring the H1N1 flu virus situation as it relates to the Issues of Substance (IOS) 2009 conference. Based on the current level of local pandemic virus activity, the severity of the illness and Halifax’s public health capacity, IOS 2009 has not be postponed or cancelled.

However, we recommend that conference participants take the following actions to help prevent the spread of influenza-like illnesses:

• Follow proper hand hygiene (regular washing of hands with soap and water and/or alcohol-based sanitizers) and cough and sneeze etiquette (into the crux of your elbow/bend of your arm).
• Use hand sanitizers, which are available in all washrooms, in the main area of each conference floor and in conference delegate bags.
  Avoid shaking hands. In the spirit of the times, we encourage alternatives to handshakes such as fist bumps and elbow touches.
• Do not share cups, glasses or cigarettes.
• Do not attend the conference if you feel ill.
• If you feel ill while at the conference, please proceed to the IOS Registration and Information Desk (on Level 1) or the World Trade and Convention Centre (WTCC) Concierge Desk (in the main lobby on Level 2) and staff will be able to direct you to the appropriate health care facility.

The conference and the WTCC will be following the Public Health Guidance for the prevention and management of influenza-like illnesses related to mass gatherings, issued by the Public Health Agency of Canada. This includes actions such as, but not limited to:

• ensuring tissues and closed waste receptacles are located throughout the venue and are frequently replenished/emptied
• frequent cleaning of high touch areas
• regular replenishment of soap and paper towels for hand washing purposes in washrooms.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping make Issues of Substance 2009 as healthy and safe as possible for everyone attending.