Tuesday October 13, 2009
The U.S. State Department has issued a travel alert to warn Cuba bound
travelers that they could face quarantine upon arrival in the country if
they exhibit flu-like symptoms. Foreign travelers to Cuba suspected of
carrying the H1N1 (swine) flu virus may be quarantined until their
symptoms clear up, according to the travel alert.
The full text of the warning is as follows:
October 09, 2009
The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the quarantine measures
imposed by the Government of Cuba in response to the 2009-H1N1 pandemic
that may affect travel to Cuba. This Travel Alert expires on January 7,
2010.
In April 2009, Cuba implemented a policy that allows it to quarantine
arriving passengers who exhibit fever or flu-like symptoms. Although the
overall percentage of U.S. citizens being quarantined remains low, the
nature of the selection process makes it almost impossible to predict
when a traveler may be placed into quarantine.
Cuba has reported confirmed cases of H1N1 and has quarantined the cases,
including foreign travelers and residents, until their recovery. Cuban
authorities screen travelers coming into Cuba by asking them to fill out
a questionnaire regarding their current health status. If travelers are
identified as being ill with flu-like symptoms in the airport, they may
be evaluated by local medical personnel with the potential for treatment
and quarantine at a Cuban hospital. The Government of Cuba directs that
individuals staying or residing in Cuba, including diplomats, who are
exhibiting flu-like symptoms, report to the hospital where they are
normally treated. If the hospital suspects that the individual may have
H1N1, they will be immediately quarantined for treatment.
Please note that the U.S. Department of State usually cannot interfere
with the rights of other countries to screen airline passengers entering
or exiting their countries, nor can it influence the number of days in
quarantine.Because these outbreak-related delays, which could include
several days of quarantine (the standard period is six days), may affect
planned activities and lead to unexpected costs, CDC strongly recommends
that travelers consider purchasing travel insurance.U.S. citizens are
reminded that the U.S. government imposes restrictions on travel to
Cuba. For further information, please see our Consular Specific
Information for Cuba.
For more information on U.S. Government policy during a pandemic, and
for travel safety information, please see the State Department's
"Pandemic Influenza Fact Sheet," and "Options During a Pandemic" flyers.
Further information about 2009-H1N1 Influenza, including steps you can
take to stay healthy, can be found at the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control website, the U.S. Government's federal influenza website, and
the World Health Organization website. U.S. citizens are strongly
encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate
through the Department of State's travel registration website. By
registering, American Citizens can receive the Embassy's most recent
security and safety updates during their trip. Registration also ensures
that U.S. citizens can be reached should an emergency arise either
abroad or at home. While consular officers will do their utmost to
assist Americans in a crisis, travelers should always be aware that
local authorities bear primary responsibility for the welfare of people
living or traveling in their jurisdictions.
The U.S. Interests Section is located at Calzada between L and M
Streets. The American Citizen Services section can be contacted during
regular business hours at 537 833-3551 and for after-hours emergencies
at 537 833-2302.
Travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by
calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or outside the
United States and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
Cuba Travelers Face Swine Flu Quarantine, State Dept. Warns (13 October
2009)
http://gocaribbean.about.com/b/2009/10/13/cuba-swine-flu-quarantine-travel.htm
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