AVOID PLANES AND TRAINS

Avoid trains and air travel, advises Joe Biden
Americans should avoid underground trains and air travel to reduce the chance of catching swine flu, vice president Joe Biden indicated, despite official calls for calm.

Speaking today, Mr Biden said he sympathised with parents who were worried about the spread of disease, but reiterated the White House line on shutting down the Mexico border.

President Barack Obama ruled out closing the border with Mexico to protect the US from the outbreak yesterday, likening it to "closing the barn door after the horses are out".

He has previously said the outbreak was cause for concern but not alarm. But speaking on NBC today, his vice president appeared to toughen up advice on protection, stating that he would personally tell family members not to go anywhere in confined spaces at the moment.


It has also reported the only death to have occurred outside Mexico, that of a Mexican toddler visiting relatives in Texas.

In a speech marking his 100th day in office, Mr Obama said that he was monitoring the situation. He added: "This is obviously a very serious situation and every American should know that their entire government is taking the utmost precautions and preparations".

But he said that shutting the border with Mexico was not an option.

Instead he focused on everyday measures of prevention such as regular hand-washing and staying at home if any symptoms were seen.

Speaking today, Mr Biden said he sympathised with parents who were worried about the spread of disease, but reiterated the White House line on shutting down the Mexico border.

Asked if he would advise his own family not to fly to Mexico, the vice president said: "I would tell members of my family, and I have, I wouldn't go anywhere in confined places right now."

He added: "I would not be at this point, if they had another way of transportation, suggesting they ride the subway.

"If you're out in the middle of a field and someone sneezes that's one thing. If you're in a closed aircraft, a closed container, closed car, a closed classroom, it's a different thing."

EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; The Vice President of the United States advised United States citizens to be careful especially in closed areas such as planes and trains.

According to news sources, the swine flu could kill one in every one thousand people infected (1 in 1,000).

Maybe to be safe Mohegan Tribal Members should stay out of their government building and casino because of what Biden said. It might be hazardous to your health. Should we go there? What do you think?