Table 1 Scenarios used with forum 2

1

Miriam has recently returned from a ten week work placement in an infected country. One person on her flight developed a fever on the flight, but it is not yet known if the person is infected with the pandemic strain of influenza. Miriam has been asked by the health official at the airport to remain at home in quarantine. Miriam's husband is still travelling and Miriam knows there is no food in the house.

Miriam should comply, provided she has enough support at home.

2

South Australia is in week two of the pandemic. Miriam died yesterday. Her husband David has rushed home from aboard and was at her bedside when she died. He has been issued with a formal order to remain in quarantine for the next seven days. Miriam and David's religion requires that the body be buried within 24 hours. Miriam had a large extended family, was very active in the community and had many friends but David has been told that only the immediate family can attend the funeral.

Forum divided on whether attendance at funeral should be restricted (including whether David should be prohibited from going).

3

Kimberley gets a call to tell her that Rob has been diagnosed as ill with the pandemic strain of influenza. Kimberley and Rob had lunch together at a hotel yesterday. At the time he complained of not feeling well and said he would be visiting the doctor that afternoon. Kimberley is very worried that she has been exposed. She knows that if she goes into quarantine voluntarily she will be unable to work for up to seven days and it may be longer if she becomes ill. She works for a small bakery franchise and is aware the manager is already having staff problems. If she does not turn up for work today and tomorrow, the store may not open. Kimberley is a single parent has no savings and is totally reliant on her income from the bakery for daily living expenses. She is anxious about infecting her children if she continues to live with them, but she has no alternative sources of child care.

Forum divided:

a. Kimberley should seek more information about obligations (with a view to going into quarantine)

b. Kimberley would/should just go home (and pretend nothing has happened)

4

There have been only a small number of influenza cases in South Australia but several hundred in Sydney. The Premier is considering closing schools. Year 12 exams are in five weeks.

Forum divided:

a. Schools should be closed

b. Not enough evidence yet to close schools

5

Margaret, Wilma's daughter is the chairperson of a rural school council. The Premier has closed all schools and childcare services in the State just when farmers in the area are sowing their annual crops. Margaret realises that many farming families will not be able to care for their children and sow the crops. She decides to organise a home based community childcare service. Families are placed on a roster to provide care for up to 15 children each day. The arrangement continues for about four weeks until the busiest part of the sowing season is over.

Forum divided:

a. Make an exception to social isolation measures in certain situations such as these

b. No exceptions; childcare arrangements should be closed down.

6

Wilma has gone to church nearly every Sunday for most of her life and she has begun attending on weekdays. She has heard that the Premier has closed schools and banned all public gatherings, including club meetings and church services. Wilma is very anxious about missing church. On the other hand, she is also worried about catching flu.

Forum divided:

a. Ban all social gatherings, including religious services

b. Religious gatherings should be allowed to continue