Six cases of swine flu have been confirmed at Gravesham Borough Council’s civic centre office.

All six members of staff are now resting on sickness absence until doctors see them fit to come back to work. This is a precautionary measure to stop the bug spreading.

Gravesham Borough Council has taken swift action to help stop the virus spreading and all cleaning staff have been alerted and extra precautionary measures have been made. This includes the provision of hand gel stations at the Civic Centre, in Windmill Street, Gravesend, and arranging for pregnant employees to work from home.

Additional awareness posters will also be displayed in all toilets, public and staff areas reminding employees and customers of preventative measures.

All staff have been contacted with information on swine flu, what the symptoms are and what to do if they suspect they have the bug. They were also advised that a staff nurse can be contacted via a helpline number if they wish to speak to her.

The council is asking members of the public who have symptoms of swine flu to contact their GP and not come in to the civic centre. All council business should be conducted over the phone.

For most people swine flu is a mild illness and they start to feel better after a couple of days.

A spokesman for the council said: "We would like to re-assure everyone who uses the facilities at the civic centre, and in Gravesham, that it is doing everything it can to prevent the virus spreading further."

If you are concerned you have swine flu, particularly if you are pregnant, very young, over 65 or have a long term condition such as asthma or diabetes, call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or see your GP.