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The President: Good afternoon, everybody.
Before I say a few words about the meeting we just had I'd like
to mention some good news that came out today about our
economy. For the first time in 18 months, our manufacturing
sector has expanded, and the statistics used to measure
manufacturing output is the highest it's been in over two
years. This means greater production of transportation
equipment like cars, and electronic equipment like
computers and appliances, and it means these companies are
starting to invest more and produce more, and it is a sign
that we're on the path to economic recovery.
There's no doubt that we have a long way to go,
and I and the other members of this administration will not let
up until those Americans who are looking for jobs can find them.
But this is another important sign that we're heading in the
right direction, and that the steps we've taken to bring our
economy back from the brink are working.
Now, we just had a good meeting about our ongoing efforts to
prepare this country for the H1N1 flu virus this fall.
And I want to thank John Brennan,
our CDC Director Tom Frieden, and Secretaries Sebelius,
Napolitano, Duncan, and Locke, for all the good work that
they've been doing to get us ready today.
As I said when we saw the first cases of this virus back in the
spring, I don't want anybody to be alarmed,
but I do want everybody to be prepared. We know that we
usually get a second, larger wave of these flu viruses in the
fall, and so response plans have been put in place across all
levels of government.
Our plans and decisions are based on the best scientific
information available, and as the situation changes,
we will continue to update the public.
We're also making steady progress on developing a safe
and effective H1N1 flu vaccine, and we expect a flu shot program
will begin soon. This program will be completely voluntary,
but it will be strongly recommended. For all that we
do in the federal government, however every American has a
role to play in responding to this virus.
We need state and local governments on the front lines
to make antiviral medications and vaccines available,
and be ready to take whatever steps are necessary to support
the health care system.
We need hospitals and health care providers to continue
preparing for an increased patient load,
and to take steps to protect health care workers.
We need families and businesses to ensure that they have plans
in place if a family member, a child,
or a co-worker contracts the flu and needs to stay home.
And most importantly we need everyone to get informed about
individual risk factors, and we need everyone to take the
common-sense steps that we know can make a difference.
Stay home if you're sick. Wash your hands frequently.
Cover your sneezes with your sleeve, not your hands.
And take all the necessary precautions to stay healthy.
I know it sounds simple, but it's important and it works.
Finally, for people who want to learn more about this virus,
please go to www.flu.gov, or talk to your doctor.
I want to commend every member of our team.
I think we've done an extraordinary job in preparing
for this flu outbreak.
We anticipate that there will be some issues coming up over the
next several months.
The way it's moving is still somewhat unpredictable,
but what I'm absolutely confident about is that our team
that's assembled here has done an extraordinary job
in preparing for whatever may happen.
So we appreciate all of you for being here,
and I want to publicly again thank you for all your
extraordinarily hard work. All right.