The governments of the United States and Mexico are
working closely together to contain the current outbreak
of H1N1 influenza. In accordance with measures announced
by the City of Mexico to limit the congregation of large
crowds, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City will suspend
all non-essential consular services from Monday, April
27, 2009 through Thursday, April 30, 2009. On Friday
May 1st the Embassy is closed for a local holiday.
From Monday, April 27 to Thursday, April 30th, consular
services for U.S. citizens will be limited to citizenship
applications (passports and consular reports of birth
abroad, or CRBA) and emergency assistance only. Notarial
and other routine services will not be available; anyone
with passport or CRBA appointments is encouraged but
not required to reschedule to a later date. Additionally,
the Federal Benefits Unit is requesting all persons
to postpone interviews on Social Security claims.
The Visa Unit will also suspend normal operations during
this week. The Embassy will reschedule all visa applications
which have been made for the week of April 27th. Our
call center will call or e-mail applicants to reschedule
appointments. Alternatively, applicants may re-schedule
visa appointments without being charged by calling 01-800-719-2525.
If there is an emergency visa issue please email visas_mexico@state.gov.
Finally, the Benjamin Franklin Library will be closed
to the public next week.
These are precautionary measures only, taken to best
assure the well-being of our clients and staff.
The United States has imposed no additional constraints
or limitations on travel between the United States and
Mexico. Travelers are encouraged to comply with suggestions
by Mexican public health officials and to be alert to
good health and sanitation practices.
The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in Mexico that
most cases of influenza are not “H1N1 flu”; any specific
questions or concerns about flu or other illnesses should
be directed to a medical professional. Mexico City medical
authorities urge people to avoid hospitals and clinics
unless they have a medical emergency, since hospitals
are centers of infection; instead, those with health
concerns are encouraged to stay home and call their
physicians to avoid potential exposure. Although the
U.S. Embassy cannot give medical advice or provide medical
services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors
can be found on our website at the following links:
http://mexico.usembassy.gov/sacs_medical_info.html
(Spanish)
http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/eacs_medical_info.html (English)
At this time the Mexican Secretariat of Health urges people to avoid large crowds, shaking hands, kissing people as a greeting, or using the subway. Maintaining a distance of at least six feet from other persons may decrease the risk of exposure. In addition, the following prevention tips are from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website:
1. Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3. Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
4. Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
For additional information, please consult the State
Department’s website at www.travel.state.gov,
the CDC website at www.cdc.gov,
or the website of the World Health Organization at www.who.int.
The U.S.-based call center for U.S. citizens can be
reached from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time,
M-F, at 1-888-407-4747, or if calling from outside the
U.S., at (202) 501-4444. The U.S. Embassy will also
post additional information as it becomes available
at: mexico.usembassy.gov.
American Citizens Services
U.S. Embassy Mexico City
Paseo de la Reforma #305
Col Cuauhtemoc; Mexico, D. F., Mexico CP 06500
Tel: (011)(52)(55) 5080-2000
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. & 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
For after-hours, emergencies only, call (011)(52)(55)
5080-2000, ext. “0”, and ask to speak to the Duty Officer.
E-mail: ACSMexicoCity@state.gov;
website: mexico.usembassy.gov
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