Ward.
Personally, I think you're giving our population far too much credit about remembering the past. Though, as we haven't even identified a cause, or if this is something to panic over, the rest is premature. We can't request anything more than screenings until we know what's going on, how it's spread, and how serious it is. Otherwise panic will ensue.
Once you have an answer to those questions, the Ministry will make a formal announcement. Though I do think it should come from the health board, don't you?