Last checked at 18 Aug 2014 13:31
18 August 2014
Westminster Group Plc:
West Africa Ebola Update
Westminster Group Plc ('Westminster' or the 'Group'), the AIM listed supplier of system solutions and products to the security-led, defence, fire protection and safety markets worldwide, wishes to provide a further update on the recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
The recent outbreak of Ebola continues to affect several countries in West Africa with the majority of Ebola cases confined to the provinces and outlying villages. Authorities in the affected countries have put increased measures in place to limit the spread of the disease. The World Health Organisation and the international community are providing resources and sending in specialist teams to assist in the fight against the disease.
To assist the authorities at the West African airport where the Group provides security services, Westminster has now deployed its advanced WG520 Flu Fever Screening Detection System which identifies persons who may be suffering from Ebola, common influenza, SARS and other flu variants such as Avian flu and Bird and Swine flu.
Kenya Airways and Gambia Bird have more recently announced they are suspending flights to the region for the remainder of August and British Airways has previously announced a similar suspension until 31 August. Other major airlines including Air France, Brussels Airlines and Air Maroc continue to operate. The relevant local aviation bodies expect that suspended flights will resume in the coming weeks. In addition, they have stated that they expect additional flights, from both existing and new carriers, to commence in the near term.
Westminster has not seen any material impact on passenger numbers for the year to date, which still remains ahead of the same period for 2013, although it is expected the recent suspensions will affect Westminster's August numbers.
The Group has taken prudent contingency steps including the placing earlier this month which means that it is well prepared for a potential worsening of the situation. The Group continues to provide full services at the airport and is assisting the authorities to implement all required measures to keep the airport safe and secure.
The International Air Travel Association (IATA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) are not recommending any restrictions on air travel at this time and their advice is published on their respective websites:
www.iata.org/pressroom/pr/Pages/2014-07-31-01.aspx and www.who.int/mediacentre/news/notes/2014/ebola-travel/en/
Westminster is closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as appropriate.
For further information please contact:
Westminster Group plc. | Tel: 01295 756 300 |
Peter Fowler (Chief Executive) | |
Ian Selby (Chief Financial Officer) | |
S. P. Angel Corporate Finance LLP (NOMAD and Broker) | Tel: 020 3463 2260 |
Stuart Gledhill/Katy Birkin | |
Winningtons Financial (Financial PR) | Tel: 020 3176 4722 |
Tom Cooper/Paul Vann | 0797 122 1972 |
Notes:
Westminster Group plc. is a leader in the supply of system solutions and products to the security, defence, fire protection and safety markets worldwide.
Westminster's principal activity is the design, supply and ongoing support of advanced technology security solutions, encompassing a wide range of surveillance, detection, tracking and interception technologies and the provision of long term managed services contracts such as the management and running of complete security services and solutions in airports, ports and other such facilities together with the provision of manned services, consultancy and training services. The majority of its customer base, by value, comprises governments and government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGO's) and blue chip commercial organisations. For further information please visit www.wsg-corporate.com