As Mexican authorities issue a statement saying the H1N1 virus or swine flu outbreak is under control.... countries across the world remain unsure whether they should be worried about the virus.
Hello, I’m Charlotte Bellis and you’re watching Newsy.com
CNN takes us to a naval hospital in the south of Mexico City...
“The scenes look like something out of a sci-fi movie. The doctors are clad in these biohazard suits. They’re taking absolutely every precaution. It looks really scary but there’s good news because the doctors are saying today they’ve seen far fewer patients than in previous days.” (CNN)
In the UK, the Guardian looks ahead to the rest of 2009 with the headline:
“Swine flu 'mild' but may surge in autumn”
and quotes the UK health secretary:
“Our evidence from all previous pandemics is that you get two phases. You get a first wave that is often very mild and then you get a much more serious wave that comes along in the autumn and the winter.” (The Guardian)
CBS asks the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control what can be expected next...
“Anchor: Since we’ve spoken since this began, Doctor. You’ve said that we’re expecting more deaths in this country. Is that still the case?
Besser: That is the case. ... We close schools to prevent transmission from children to children but also to prevent spread in the community. As we learned that this virus is not more severe than regular flu, an approach of people who are sick stay home, become a more reasonable approach.”
--- Richard Besser, Acting Director, CDC (CBS)
The H1N1 outbreak has also created a quarrel between Mexico and China.
The Mexican authorities criticized China’s decision to quarantine scores of Mexican tourists and businessmen.
A BBC correspondent explains...
“China’s actions are dramatic but the government may be trying to prove a point to its own people. ... this time the government may want to show that it is capable of taking early, effective action - even if it leads to a bit of a row with a foreign government.” (BBC)
The finance ministers of all Southeast Asian nations plus Japan, China and South Korea are deeply concerned about the impact on the Asian economies.
Japan’s NHK brings us a statement from the Japanese finance minister:
“As viruses can cross borders, it’s important for nations to exchange information and provide medical supplies. We decided that the statement should include these points.” (NHK)
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