Worldwide: Swine Flu Updates

April 29, 2009 by Tim McDowell.

The Mexican government continues to take measures to prevent the further spreading of swine flu, which has infected more than 2,000 people and has killed more than 150 so far. The Mexican Interior Ministry has closed all dine-in restaurants until 6 May, although restaurants will still be allowed to serve takeout food. All movie theaters, zoos, museums, gyms, sports clubs, swimming pools and pool halls also must remain closed. The virus has infected more than 150 people in the United States. U.S. officials have confirmed the death of at least one child in Texas as a result of swine flu. The virus has spread to several other countries in recent days, including Costa Rica, Germany and Austria.

The European Union has a travel advisory in place against nonessential travel to the United States and Mexico, while the United States has a travel advisory against nonessential travel to Mexico. The World Health Organization has not recommended any travel restrictions. Cuba has suspended flights to and from Mexico until 30 April. Argentina has announced a ban on direct flights to and from Mexico until 4 May. Canada’s Air Transat has suspended flights to Mexico from Canada and France through 1 June. Canada’s West Jet and Air Canada will suspend flights until June 2009. France will ask the European Union on 30 April to ban flights to and from Mexico. Most U.S. carriers are waiving cancellation penalties and rescheduling fees for passengers scheduled to depart to Mexico, but there have been no indications that any major carriers will suspend flights. Several cruise ships have canceled planned stops at Mexican ports.

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