This Travel Bulletin should be read in conjunction with the Travel Advisory for your destination.
On 28 April 2009, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reissued the travel advisory for Mexico to advise Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Mexico due outbreaks of swine influenza. Australians who do not have essential business in Mexico should consider leaving. Australians intending to remain in Mexico should ensure that they have access to adequate supplies of food, water and other essentials.
On 24 April 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) advised Australia of cases of outbreaks of a new strain of swine influenza in Mexico and the United States. Cases have since been confirmed in Canada, New Zealand, Israel, Spain, the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Hong Kong and Switzerland. Outbreaks may occur in other countries. The WHO is providing regular updates on the location and number of confirmed cases on its website.
On 29 April 2009, the WHO raised the level of the influenza outbreak from phase 4 to phase 5 (of 6). The change to a higher phase of pandemic alert means that there is human-to-human spread in two countries in one WHO region. More information is available on the WHO website.
Governments in affected countries are taking appropriate measures and are being supported by the WHO. Most of those who have contracted the virus have experienced mild symptoms and then recovered. There have been confirmed deaths in Mexico.
Border control measures
Currently, there are no restrictions on regular travel and no borders have been closed. However some airlines may cancel flights to affected areas and there may be delays at airports and border crossings. Some countries (including Australia) have put in place screening measures on flights from affected areas. Travellers may be asked to declare their state of health at international airports prior to travel. Some countries are also implementing new quarantine measures for all travellers who have recently visited Mexico. For more information, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit.
Countries may implement enhanced border control measures for both arriving and departing passengers. These measures can also be applied to passengers who are transiting through a country. Some countries have adopted quarantine measures for those exhibiting flu-like symptoms. You should follow the instructions of local border control, law enforcement or health authorities. {SNIP}
No comments:
Post a Comment