The CDC states that infants are at a higher risk of severe illness from H1N1, and it is well known that newborns are particularly at risk as they have both weak bodies and weak immune systems.

The current allocation of two months maternity leave is only just adequate, if that; however with the now widespread H1N1 infection, sending the mother back to work after two months puts her very young infant at substantial risk of H1N1. Do not forget that it is almost always the mother who will take emergency leave to care for her infant if he/she becomes ill.

The Health Ministry needs to declare extended maternity leave during this pandemic by allowing mothers to take paid maternity leave until their infant is six months old or the pandemic has passed. Those who have already returned to work should likewise be permitted to return to paid maternity leave until the child is six months old.

Although this means missing a number of extra days in the workplace, some of that time would be lost through emergency leave in any case.

As we cannot yet treat H1N1 effectively in tiny infants, please allow their mothers to stay at home to avoid bringing back the virus from the workplace.