++++ BULLETIN ++++ BULLETIN ++++ BULLETIN ++++ BULLETIN ++++
AS RELEASED AT 1600hrs ON 31/12/99 GMC2
Several countries have now entered the new Millennium and there have been no bug problems reported. In the UK preparations are continuing for the Millennium celebrations. Crowds are forming to see in the New Year in London, where celebrations are well underway.
UK
The 22 cities and towns in the UK that have received National Lottery funding are gearing up for their Millennium Celebrations. Chris Smith, Secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, has opened a large fun fair on the Mall in London.
There have been no traffic problems reported in London.
There have been no Millennium Bug problems reported today in the UK.
INTERNATIONAL
There have been no reported Millennium Bug problems in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji or Tonga. As expected access to telephone networks has been slow due to extremely heavy usage.
NEW ZEALAND
Initial reporting from New Zealand has indicated no Y2K problems. British High Commission representatives in Auckland and Wellington report extremely heavy telephone usage resulting in some delay in accessing telephone lines. But otherwise there are no reports of problems with utilities.
FIJI
The British High Commission in Suva report no Y2K related problems at present in Fiji. All utilities are working although there are some difficulties with the mobile telephone network due to heavy usage.
TONGA
Initial reporting from the British High Commission in Nuku''alofa has indicated that there are no Y2K problems at present. Utilities in the local area are reported to be functioning normally.
AUSTRALIA
British High Commission in Canberra report no Y2K related disruptions. Electricity, water, gas and TV/Radio are all working normally.
Issued by the Government Millennium Centre, 70 Whitehall, London. http://www.millennium-centre.gov.uk
