Considering the different information which has been published about the swine flu outbreak, the Regional Directorate for Health communicates the following:
1. There are neither cases in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, nor there are official restrictions about travelling to the affected areas.
2. Travellers with destination to such areas, mainly the United States and Mexico, should take into account the risk of contracting the disease; therefore, they should adopt the following personal hygiene measures:
- frequent hand-washing, with water and soap, in order to reduce the probabilities of transmission ot the infection;
- cover both mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, by using a facial paper tissue whenever it is possible;
- when returning from the affected areas or having contacted with any infected person over the last 10 days, those who present flu-like symptoms should go the doctor or contact the health services.
3. These are standard precautions for this type of situations; therefore, there no reasons for alarm.
4. The Regional Directorate for Health is in contact with hospitals and health authorities and will disseminate the necessary guidelines in accordance to the evolution of the situation.