RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

Today, global travel is commonplace and large numbers of people move around the world for business and leisure. Limiting travel and imposing travel restrictions would be highly disruptive to the global community and would have very little effect on stopping the spread of the influenza A(H1N1) virus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Travel restrictions are therefore not recommended but travellers, individually, are cautioned to act in a responsible manner towards themselves, towards those around them and in the host communities of their destinations.

Personal responsibility is the most important step that travelers can take to protect themselves and others. Taking these steps from the onset of a possible pandemic situation and checking with their health-care provider before embarking on a trip is very important in stopping the spread of any infection, particularly in the case of the A(H1N1) influenza virus.

Travelers are responsible not only for their own well-being but for the well-being of those around them. Travelers should help others in correctly identifying symptoms and in taking recommended steps for personal hygiene. They should help them in realizing that travelling when sick is not responsible but travelling when healthy is absolutely recommended.