MATAMOROS EAC CONVENES TO DISCUSS SWINE FLU OUTBREAK

UNCLAS MATAMOROS 000067 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/MEX, WHA/PDA, STATE FOR OES/IHB, PA, CAPRESS STATE FOR MED/DASHO STATE FOR MED/DIR STATE FOR DS/IP/WHA CDC FOR CCID/NCPDCID, CCID/NCIRD, AND COGH/DGPPC E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC CVIS CASC KSCA TBIO MX SUBJECT: MATAMOROS EAC CONVENES TO DISCUSS SWINE FLU OUTBREAK REF: STATE 41745 ¶1. (SBU) On April 27, 2009, Consul General Cecilia Elizondo-Herrera convened post's Emergency Action Committee to discuss reftel and post's response to the swine flu outbreak. In attendance were CG, MGT, IPO, RSO, and CONS Chief. ¶2. (U) Local media are reporting that there has been one swine flu death in Matamoros and two confirmed cases in the Ciudad Victoria area. The U.S. border crossings in Matamoros and Reynosa are operating under normal conditions, although there are reports that CBP officers are screening travelers for symptoms. Flight operations continue at the Matamoros airport. ¶3. (SBU) EAC reviewed post's health/epidemic tripwires and is monitoring the local environment. EAC agreed to suspend visa appointments until May 6, and will reschedule American Citizen Service cases. The Consulate General will be open for emergency services. Post will issue a press release outlining these measures. A warden message was sent out by ACS on April 24. MGT section has procured surgical masks and gloves for all employees, and will issue emergency preparedness guidelines to employees. Liberal leave will be granted to post employees to care for their children, as schools have been closed throughout Mexico. ¶4. (SBU) There are no reported absences from the local guard force or security personnel. RSO is developing contingency plans should there be a significant absences among the guard force. ¶5. (U) EAC will reconvene as necessary. Point of contact for this matter is CG Cecilia Elizondo-Herrera, who can be reached at 011-52-868-812-4402. ELIZONDO-HERRERA