The Malta Police Association this morning lifted a directive it gave officers last night not to report for work at the prisons or to escort prisoners.

Yesterday morning, the MPA issued a statement in which it expressed concern and called for protection for officers escorting prisoners suffering flu, which has been identified as what was previously known as Swine Flu.

It followed up its statement with the directive issued in the evening.

This morning, a spokesman for the union said the directive was lifted after the MPA obtained written assurance from the Health Authorities that the situation was under control and that the current precautions that should be taken was for a surgical mask to be work by those working closely with infected persons and to follow strict hygiene principles.

The masks were being supplied to those wanted to take precautions.

The MPA spokesman told the Times of Malta he could not understand why the health authorities had to wait for the union to issue a directive to come up with its explanation and assurance.