No matter how far back I look whether it be Ebola or Avian Flu for example, all I really see is a state of confusion on behalf of the worlds governments as to what should be done in regards to quarantine and containment. There really appears to be a lack of procedure. It worries me!

It appears as though our governments take a 'wait and see' approach.

"Well... lets just wait and see how this thing develops". "Hopefully if things get too bad, we can contain it or at least minimize the damage".

For instance, in Australia where the Swine Flu has not yet reached, we have our Federal health Minister, Nicola Roxon saying:

"We have not ruled out screening incoming overseas passengers at Australia's International Airports". "A national response plan is ready to swing into action at a moments notice".

Source: MX Daily Magazine (Melbourne)

Say What? WTF are they waiting for? For people to actually contract and spread the flu first? Like.. um.. when it's too late? When people are dying that they are meant to be protecting from contracting the virus? In situations like these, we cannot afford our governments to adopt reactive strategies!

What are they really protecting? Peoples right to travel and spread disease? No.. I don't think so! The Economy perhaps? Hmmmm!

What should our governments be doing? Should they be preventative? Should we have a world wide protocol that keeps people in their countries? Should the airline carriers (pun intended) be grounded? Or should our lives be risked with 'wait & see' mentalities?

What would you do in their position? How should our countries be protected? What would you have our governments do?

Have your say!

You make a good point but I really don't know how the gov's should respond. If they were to close up boarders and cancel all incoming and outgoing flights around the world that would be considered extreme measures at this point and create panic and riots and hostility. This of course is my own opinion. I think it's just too soon to go to that length.

Now, give this a week or two and if this thing really blows up then I think each gov will be considering going to greater lengths BUT... at that point all we will be doing is keeping the virus to ourselves within each country and still spreading it.

I think the government has now acted here in Australia. Apparently all inbound flights from latin America are no subject to screening for incomers with flu like symptoms.

Its not much I guess, but at least they've done something

The CDC only test for swine flu in serious hospitalization of pateints skewing the numbers of infevtioons known. If they follow this type of procedure they will only confirm a epidemic if after enough corpses are tested. Im not sure if this is a way for them to offer protection from over reaction with under reporting of the true scope of the issue or just another failed government policy of protectionism.

Unfortunately the governments are doing a balancing act where travel is concerned; too little control and they risk outbreak and public ire, too much restriction and they hinder tourist travel which can seriously impact sectors of the economy.

Yep if it is of concern, why not get passenger records for last month from who went to and from mexico, and ask them in all countries to do a test. Surely they would be happy for the most part to do this, and then at least people would know.

They must have passport records going back a month and if every government did this, then at least they would know who has it, and give them an idea of where it is.

thats of course if it really is a concern, and not just hype.

I don't agree with delaying flights abroad. I do think however that closing our borders in the first place would've saved us a whole lot of trouble. As for quarantining and containment you'd think they would be monitoring this a little closer but TPTB has trouble keeping up with it's own money so go figure. I mean c'mon these guys and gals are supposed to be our protectors and all they've managed to do is make things worse for us all.

[edit on 10-04-08 by Beach Bum]

[edit on 10-04-08 by Beach Bum]

[edit on 10-04-08 by Beach Bum]

To take precautions at this time, all governments are looking at economic loss in any and all factions. Remember...those that are the PTB will not contract the disease, and all that is important to them is REVENUE.

Personal feelings, if anyone has been to the infected area of Mexico within the last 10 days, they and their families and anyone they have come into contact with should be qarentened for at least 14 days to see if they show symptoms, if not...then let them go about their business.

Funny, when someone is passing around an STD, the Health Department takes the time to find any and all partners and make sure the spread of infection is stopped....so, why can't they come to a decision on a L'il ole flu bug????

Anybody with 1/2 a brain should figure it out.


~Holly

Ebola? Ebola is a hemmorhagic fever that is practically untreatable. This can be treated with Tamiflu. But I'm all for staying in my house. If I'm healthy, yayy vacation in my house. If I'm sick, boo I'm sick I'll get treated and stay home and try to feel better.

Do not panic... it is the flu. Take precautions... wash your hands often, avoid crowds of people, cover your mouth when you sneeze...all the normal common sense stuff. And if you do come down with it...STAY HOME.

Given the state of affairs we are/ have been experiencing, everyone should have been prepared for at least a few days...you know, emergency preparedness that has been discussed on many threads on this site?

Above all, do not panic... I understand Plucky wants panic sex, but now is not the time...

Thankyou to everyone for their comments. I find it troubling that economies take precedent over human life. While screening at airports is better than nothing, a time will come where this measure is simply not enough.

IMHO, the onus should fall onto the airline companies and the country exporting the virus. Perhaps a few class actions might change things in the future?

Without enforcing appropriate protocols world wide, it's just a matter of time until we are caught with our pants down. The problem with humans is that they think they're really smart. That they are in control. However, we all know that's a house of cards.

IRM

If this thing gets much worse I'm going to batten down the hatches and exit the population.

I've been planning for lock down for several years. I informed my family yesterday that when I lock the door even they cannot come in.

If anyone of my family wants to join me that is OK but if they leave my area they can't come back.

Sound cruel and hard? Yes it does. It's called survival.

I sound real tough but in reality I will probably be on the streets helping the sick.

Just wish I was tough enough to avoid people in need. But that isn't the way I roll.

Sounds like I am confused and I am. Just trying to avoid panic within myself.

I hope and pray this situation will decrease in severity.

Originally posted by zazzafrazz

It's not just about making money, transportation isnt limited to just the air, all transportation is essential in todays world, and I cant see how they could function grinding to a halt for quarantine purposes.

Besides you know what I do IRM for a living, so I'd sue you for loss of income hehehe

I do understand the logistical nightmare you're referring to. I know it would not be easy. How does one stop a machine that has gathered such inertia? It almost seems impossible because civilization is now traveling at terminal velocity. As we plummet, we can see the ground moving closer and closer yet there's nothing we can do about it except close our eyes and hope we leave a good looking corpse.

When I look at the state of the world, it becomes apparent very quickly that people are sometimes not the best judge of what is good for them. Me included at times.

It's time for a change. What has the world become when an extra dollar to the rich is more important than a life to any given individual?

Please don't sue me.. I can work off the debt by supplying you some of my services for free. I can spin anything and make it look good! It's my job after all!.. (I mean one of my jobs).

LOL!

IRM

[edit on 5/5/09 by InfaRedMan]

We missed the boat years ago - when we still could have made a difference by changing factory farming practices. ...But back then, our governments and their corporate masters decided to let it all play out, and quarantine people instead.

Dumb, imo.

Honestly I think Mexico had the best idea...Shut down businesses for a week let people stay home. Declare a national week off.

While we're all clamoring for our keepers (who have consistently shown their lack of concern for our well-being) to enslave us even further, maybe we can ask for a FEMA camp with a view? I wonder if they serve peanuts on the train?

If TPTB were even slightly interested in saving the population from the flu they wouldn't have allocated so much money to developing it and then releasing it in public.