Breaking news: Swine flu & travel to Mexico

As of April 30 2009 the FCO has updated it's travel advice regarding travel to Mexico. The current advice is as follows:

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 5. See the WHO website at https://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html for further details. We are now advising against all but essential travel to Mexico. Routine Consular and all Visa Services at the Embassy in Mexico City have been suspended until further notice. British Nationals in Mexico, who have an urgent consular issue should call the Embassy on (01 55) 5242 8500 for assistance. British nationals resident in or visiting Mexico may wish to consider whether they should remain in Mexico at this time. British Nationals should continue to follow local advice on precautions to take to avoid exposure to the influenza.

Cases of swine influenza have been reported in Mexico City and a number of other locations across the country. Travellers should consult a doctor immediately if they show signs of flu-like symptoms. The Mexican Secretariat of Health has advised people to avoid large crowds, shaking hands and kissing people as a greeting. Maintaining a distance of at least six feet from other persons and frequent hand washing may decrease the risk of exposure. The Mexicans have closed educational establishments across the country. Museums and other public venues and events have been closed or postponed.

Travellers are reminded that they should continue to monitor the situation in Mexico and any other countries that may be affected by Swine Flu at the FCO website (www.fco.gov.uk/en/).

EssentialTravel.co.uk customers planning to travel to Mexico should refer to their policy wording for more information, or call the customer service department on 0845 803 5434.

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