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US Travel Association's Response to the Vice President's Comments about Travel
May 1, 2009
Swine Flu Update
The U.S. Travel Association promptly responded to unfortunate comments by Vice President Biden early in the day in which he seemed to suggest that Americans should avoid public transportation and commercial aviation. Fortunately, medical experts and Obama Administration officials quickly quelled the potential hysteria, affirming a balance of concern without alarm. Both the Department of Health and Human Services and CDC affirmed there is no reason to avoid travel, except for those who are sick.
We continue to work with the media and government officials to communicate the facts about the swine flu situation in a measured and responsible way.
Our suggested talking points (see attached) have been modified slightly to encourage the public to listen to medical experts in determining how to best manage health concerns. Please use the talking points to guide your comments to the media and share them with your members.
Remember, USTravel.org now has a Swine Flu Resources page, which can be accessed at http://www.ustravel.org/pressmedia/swine_flu.html. New information on international travel to the U.S. and the possible impact of the swine flu is now available.
Latest Information
- World Health Organization continues to advise no restriction on travel related to the swine flu. The level of flu pandemic alert is at phase 5, which signals to governments the need to implement pandemic readiness procedures.
- The number of confirmed cases in the U.S. now stands at 109, including the death of a young child in Texas, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
What Officials Are Saying
- "I think flying is safe, going on the subway is safe. People should go out and live their lives."
-Dr. Richard Besser, acting director of the CDC; April 30, 2009 - "There is no reason to avoid mass transit (in any form). The one exception is if you are sick."
-Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Department of Homeland Security; April 30, 2009 - "If people were alarmed (by Vice President Joseph Biden's comments), we apologize."
-White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs; April 30, 2009 - The flu outbreak is "a cause for deep concern, but not panic."
-President Obama, April 29, 2009 - "It's important to remember that an average of 36,000 people die each year of the seasonal flu."
-Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services; April 30, 2009
Useful Websites
What U.S. Travel Is Doing
U.S. Travel immediately responded to comments made early today by Vice President Biden and conducted dozens of media interviews in which we urged elected officials to avoid making unnecessary statements that could discourage travel. (See attached press statement.)
U.S. Travel worked with members of Congress and multiple aspects of the Obama Administration to ascertain public clarification of Vice President Biden's remarks.
