Swine flu and SQ

[Bon]

If one listens to the BBC World Service reporting, the real statistics have been dumbed-down by the Mexican authorities.

Just like what China did with SARS...

[HUGE AL]

There is also stockpiling of Tamiflu...

Can ANYONE get access to this in S'pore? I need some.

[SQ238]

Great, just great! Hope the queue's not gonna be too long in MEL later this week.

On that note - I saw SATS (not SQ, apologies) setting up three thermal scanners at immigration (arrivals) in T2 at 11PM last night. Presume all the other terminals also.

Kyo,

I will apologise in advance for (my hometown airport) MEL customs, MEL airport has to be the worst in the world for collecting bags and exiting, a complete shit fight (excuse my language).

I was totally embarrased two weeks ago when I returned into MEL and found the lack of organisation and people going crazy with annoyance trying to collect bags and exit customs.

The Victorian goverment is pushing for many more flights into MEL each week for tourism, many people will not return if they have to go through hours of frustration before they even enter our country.

Sorry for the thread hijack, just wanted to forwarn you.

SQ238.

[GoldenPigeon]

ohmy

Is america affected?
Should i cancel my plans to San francisco?

[HUGE AL]

Should i cancel my plans to San francisco?

No. [extra characters]

[hofo_mofo]

I have no idea what to expect next week Wednesday when I fly out to Paris from Montreal [then onto Singapore connecting to Brisbane]. So far we are up to 6 confirmed cases (2 in BC and 4 in Nova Scotia)

All we can do is be patient, and make sure to practice good hygiene and manners (i.e. cover your mouth when coughing and of course covering your nose and mouth when sneezing; not to mention washing your hands there after or using "no soap, soap")

[GoldenPigeon]

No. [extra characters]

Why is that so?

[lee_apromise]

Why is that so?

It's spreading all over the world, what difference does it make to you if you decides not to visit U.S ?

[Kyo]

SQ238, there's no need for any apologies - better to be safe and sorry, and as we all know, Australia is definitely 'extra safe'. I think there's a 99.99% chance that my spinach breakfast appointment landside may encounter a lengthy delay.

Then I'll also have to go back in for my connecting flight. Seems like it might be an idea to go landside with no luggage whatsoever after a shower in-terminal first (if there is one - haven't really done my research).

Anyway with enough tamiflu tablets, it seems this nasty case of influenza can be contained. Fingers crossed that flights ex-SIN aren't gonna be put through extra screening at 6am!

I'm more concerned that I'm going to NZ where there was (in the news here in Singapore) reportedly 10 cases so far!!! (I don't eat pork but I heard that it spreads virally rather than via contact/consumption of pork)

Kyo,

I will apologise in advance for (my hometown airport) MEL customs, MEL airport has to be the worst in the world for collecting bags and exiting, a complete shit fight (excuse my language).

I was totally embarrased two weeks ago when I returned into MEL and found the lack of organisation and people going crazy with annoyance trying to collect bags and exit customs.

The Victorian goverment is pushing for many more flights into MEL each week for tourism, many people will not return if they have to go through hours of frustration before they even enter our country.

Sorry for the thread hijack, just wanted to forwarn you.

SQ238.

[HUGE AL]

Why is that so?

It's spreading all over the world, what difference does it make to you if you decides not to visit U.S ?

The media needs another story other than the bad economy. Think about it. How do you fill 24 hours worth of news?

[LionCity]

There is still a fair bit of mystery about this virus. I wonder why the fatalities were all in Mexico but so far has not happened in the rest of world. Could be that the virus lose some of its potency will subsequent spreading?

As far as air travel is concerned, in my opinion some effects are likely to be felt particularly going to the US. The rapid spread of the virus whether in its most lethal or least lethal form will affect the decision of travelers. I remembered during the SARS days, a cough or sneeze elicits fear all around. The flights were so empty. I already know of people in Singapore refusing to go to the park because of this Mexican swine virus.

[phaleesy]

The media needs another story other than the bad economy. Think about it. How do you fill 24 hours worth of news?

Don't know about that, HA. Hospitals here are taking things really seriously.

[concept|infinit]

Great to know the authorities here have started plans in case the virus does get to the region.

I'm sure Sg would be prepared if such a situation does arise- the SARS incident which was handled with swiftly and thoroughly was definitely very good operational experience as well.

[Gunnar Smithsen]

I'm more concerned that I'm going to NZ where there was (in the news here in Singapore) reportedly 10 cases so far!!! (I don't eat pork but I heard that it spreads virally rather than via contact/consumption of pork)

Kyo,

Authorities here in Australia are currently trying to locate a number of passengers that came in contact with some of the infected NZ passengers. We've apparently had several reported cases of Pig Flu and as such state health authorities in NSW and VIC have activated pandemic protocols.

Here's an interesting take on the matter from everybodies favourite Airline CEO

THE outspoken head of Irish budget airline Ryanair said the swine flu outbreak is only a risk to Asians and Mexicans "living in slums".

Michael O'Leary said travellers had little to fear from the deadly virus, and predicted that a couple now being treated in Scotland for the illness after a honeymoon in Mexico was in no danger.

"It is a tragedy only for people living ... in slums in Asia or Mexico," he said.

"But will the honeymoon couple from Edinburgh die? No. A couple of Strepsils will do the job."

[Kiwi]

blog posts on swine flu & travel, and travel waivers