So I've been flying...a LOT. I went from the US to Korea (layover) to Malaysia and every country I went to, they made me fill out a Health Information Card due to the widespread fear of Influenza H1N1. HUGE HUGE FEAR! I was temperature checked as I passed through...they put some device near my chin. The US is one of the countries that they consider to be dangerous along with Canada, Mexico, Korea, France, and many others that I can't remember off the top of my head. If you came from those countries, Kuala Lumpur's airport signs will ask you to "kindly report to the Health Desk." The guy next to me on the plane (as well as many others) were wearing masks to avoid catching Influenza, although I don't really know how much that would help.
I knew it was hugely talked about in the U.S., but I didn't know it was THAT huge to the point where each airport passenger has to fill out cards in all the countries and they have banners directing people to health information desks...especially if you have flu-like symptoms or come from those at-risk countries.
Anyone know more about it? What's the deal?
Sunday, June 7, 2009
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Am not privy to any formal explanations except that transnational travel all to/from/through Asia is heightened probably because of the trauma that SARS and H5N1 (avian flu) wrought on the region. I did read a story about Asian airports deploying use of thermal sensors to identify anyone with an abnormal body temperature. It doesn't surprise me that these precautions are being taken.
ReplyDeleteOn a separate note, masks don't help much unless they're N95 grade and have been fitted for individual use...
TRAVEL SAFELY and remember, universal precautions! -S