May 15, 2009
Effective this afternoon, the CDC’s Travel Health Warning
recommending against non-essential travel to Mexico, in
effect since April 27, 2009, has now been downgraded to a
Travel Health Precaution for Mexico.
CDC Recommendations
At this time, CDC has removed its recommendation that U.S.
travelers avoid travel to Mexico. CDC continues to recommend
that travelers visiting Mexico take steps to protect
themselves from getting novel H1N1 flu. CDC also recommends
that travelers at high risk for complications from any form
of influenza discuss with their physicians the risks and
benefits of travel in the context of their planned
itinerary.
Current Situation
CDC has been monitoring the ongoing outbreak of novel H1N1
flu in Mexico and, with the assistance of the Mexican
authorities, has obtained a more complete picture of the
outbreak. There is evidence that the Mexican outbreak is
slowing down in many cities though not all. In addition, the
United States and other countries are now seeing increasing
numbers of cases not associated with travel to Mexico.
Finally, the risk of severe disease from novel H1N1 virus
infection now appears to be less than originally thought.
For more info: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/content/travel-health-precaution/novel-h1n1-flu-mexico.aspx
Stay Tuned and Support Travel to Mexico
This announcement was made at 4:30 pm EST today, May 15th.
Please stay tuned regarding any announcements from CLIA
member cruise lines and the re-instatement of Mexican
destinations on upcoming cruise itineraries. While we
appreciate and applaud today’s decision, we also urge cruise
line passengers to follow CDC’s recommendations on travel.
CLIA member lines already go to great length to maintain
clean and sanitary environments aboard our vessels with the
most comprehensive and proactive health and sanitation
protocols in the travel and tourism industry. The industry
will continue to work with the CDC and other governmental
agencies in an effort to mitigate illnesses that may occur
aboard cruise ships.
Mexico is wonderful travel destination and the country
relies greatly on tourism as an economic engine. The recent
H1N1 outbreak and resultant loss of guests to Mexico has
been devastating. Please join us in helping Mexico rebound.
Check for airline cancellation policies
Additionally, ASTA has received reports that various U.S.
airline carriers have begun to alter their cancellation
policies for travelers to Mexico. Please check with the
individual carrier for more information.
American Airlines
Continental Airlines
Delta Airlines
Northwest Airlines
United Airlines
US Airways
Because of the changing nature of this situation, we
encourage all travelers to check the following Web sites
frequently.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization
US Embassy in Mexico
AWA Travel will continue to monitor the situation and provide
information as it develops.
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