BOSTON - Dr. Anita Barry, director of the Infectious Disease Bureau at the Boston Public Health Commission, issued the following statement in response to questions from residents about whether it is safe to attend large public events because of the swine flu alert:

“Given that there are no confirmed cases in Boston or Massachusetts, large gatherings in the community need not be cancelled at this time. People who are not ill do not need to restrict their activities; they should continue to follow the advice of state and local public health officials, who will notify the community and work with institutions if and when cases are confirmed and if and when large-scale events need to be cancelled.

It is always a good idea for people who are ill to refrain from going to large public gatherings not only because of swine flu but also other infections. In addition, people with underlying medical conditions who are at high risk for complications of influenza may wish to consider avoiding large gatherings.  The Public Health Commission will carefully monitor case finding information and get guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in order to make appropriate changes to this directive as warranted.”