In the aftermath of the 2009 H1N1 global threat, the Department
of Health’s pandemic preparedness planning team paid particular
attention to the value, or otherwise, of containment as a strategy
to prevent spread. In 2009 considerable time and effort were
spent on a catch, isolate, and treat approach in the early stages
of the emerging pandemic, and public health teams were
expending considerable energy with, as it turned out, little effect.
The resulting UK Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Strategy
20111 emphasised the need to maintain the continuity of essential
services and continue everyday activities as far as possible.