Homeland Security preps flu quarantine guidelinesThe Raw StoryApr. 29, 2009 |
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The Department of Homeland Security is preparing to quarantine people with confirmed swine flu infections, according to a newly released memo obtained by CBS News. From CBS: [The memo] says: "The Department of Justice has established legal federal authorities pertaining to the implementation of a quarantine and enforcement. Under approval from HHS, the Surgeon General has the authority to issue quarantines."In 2005, the Bush administration prepared guidelines similar to what's currently being circulated by DHS. In the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza (PDF link), it outlined "public health guidance" that includes barring people from social gatherings and travel. The document also notes that all nations in the International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza have agreed to a "timely and sustained high-level global political leadership to combat avian and pandemic influenza." (p. 16) As of this writing, there are no confirmed deaths linked directly to swine flu, though U.S. officials believe it only a matter of time. In the mean-time, this is not something to get panicked over. Even the Centers for Disease Control has stopped short of issuing travel restrictions and said that border closures -- the likes of which were enforced during the SARS outbreak -- are not necessary. Finally, and this one's a little dose of reality, over 13,000 Americans have died just this year from the "regular" flu and complications thereof. -- Stephen C. Webster |