The U.S. Department of State late Friday lifted its travel alert for Mexico due to the H1N1 influenza outbreak. The announcement was made right after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lifted its own travel warning against all nonessential travel to Mexico. The CDC announced that the "warning" was downgraded to a "travel health precaution," which is directed at those who are at high risk of complications due to any kind of influenza.
Daniel Jernigan, deputy director of the CDC's influenza division, said that there is no evidence that the Influenza A (H1N1) virus is becoming stronger. "Mexico's government and tourism authorities are very satisfied with the decision taken by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and consequently, the U.S. Department of State, to lift the H1N1 influenza alert against nonessential travel to Mexico,said Rodolfo Elizondo, Mexico?s minister of tourism. ?Our main priority continues to be the safety of our citizens and visitors, and with evidence that the flu appears to be less threatening than originally thought, Mexico is ready to welcome back all of its visitors and offer them the hospitality and services that have always distinguished us.
According to the CDC, the increasing number of cases that are being seen in the United States and other countries are not directly associated with travel to Mexico. Countries such as Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Uruguay, Italy, Austria, Belgium, United Kingdom and Switzerland have also lifted their advisories against travel to Mexico and have resumed all commercial flights to the country. Carnival Cruise Lines also has announced that it will resume all scheduled port calls to Mexico once all previously modified trips are completed. ?There is no doubt that the H1N1 has hit our country very hard; specially the tourism sector, an essential part of our economy,? said Oscar Fitch, CEO of the Mexico Tourism Board. ?Mexico is known for its capacity of coming out of tough situations even stronger, and this will not be the exception. The travel industry -- at all levels -- is ready to offer its visitors what they come here for: diversity, culture, relaxation, luxury, adventure, world class infrastructure and most importantly, the best service in the world.?
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