Return of the Mask Asia Gears Up for Swine Flu

Posted: 01 May 2009 | 11:44 am

Mexicans are being asked to stay at home; while the World Hearth Organization has stepped up its alert to level 5, leaving only one step away to pandemic phase 6. Asean countries are now looking to host an emergency summit in Bangkok on the 7th and 8th of May to look at contingency planning. Meanwhile in Hong Kong Cathay Pacific's flight attendant union has requested to be able to don masks and rubber gloves during meal service, though the airline has denied permission citing WHO information that there is no clear benefit from this action.

As I flew down from Bangkok to Phuket today on a full loaded 747 with holiday makers from both abroad and Thailand, the airport was bustling with travelers, though heat seeking hardware was visible as was the déjà vu throwback to the SARS's episode those Zorro like tourists wearing masks. As we teeter on the edge of yet another global crises, its good to see travel continuing but for how long we just can't be sure. In the meantime Id keep those sombreros in the closet for now at least.

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