ICNS Conference

Statement from the Hyatt Hotels on H1N1 Influenza

We care about your safety and well-being and wanted to provide you with an update on what we are doing to address the Swine Flu virus that you have been hearing about in the news.

The following hygiene practices may help to limit your exposure to the virus:

• Cover your mouth, with a tissue (if possible), when you cough
• Washing your hands:
  • After using the restroom
  • After blowing or wiping your nose
  • After coughing (if you are unable to use a tissue)
  • Prior to preparing and eating food

We are taking the following precautions to safeguard your health:

• If you are feeling ill, you should see a physician as soon as possible.
• Employees that are displaying symptoms of Swine Flu will be temporarily relieved from their jobs until pronounced healthy by a physician.

We are monitoring local health departments, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization relating to the incidence of confirmed cases of the Swine Flu. If we learn that there are confirmed cases in your area, we will be communicating with you about additional steps that we may be taking, for example:

• Personal protective equipment, including gloves and masks, will be made available for your use.
• Implementing increased cleaning regimens as recommended by local health authorities.

When making personal travel plans, you may wish to review these websites www.cdc.gov or www.who.int for the most up-to-date information on regions experiencing Swine Flu outbreaks.

Statement from DOT Secretary on H1N1 Influenza

FROM: Secretary Ray LaHood

SUBJECT: 2009 H1N1 Influenza Update

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) continues to monitor the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus situation closely. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 286 human cases of infection in 36 states and one death as of today, May 4, 2009.

To date, the cases in the United States have mostly been mild. The one fatal case was a Mexican infant who was brought to the United States for medical treatment. The DOT’s emergency management team is actively involved in coordination activities as part of the Federal response to this rapidly evolving outbreak.

Presently, CDC recommends that United States travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. The CDC has NOT recommended that people avoid domestic travel within the United States.

What should you do if you become sick?

If you live in areas where 2009 H1N1 influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, contact your health-care provider. Your health-care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. Be sure to report your illness to your DOT supervisors, so they will be aware of your condition.

Please practice the usual precautions of frequent hand washing and cough and sneeze hygiene to stay healthy, and encourage your family and friends also.

More information:

• Department of Transportation web site
• Center for Disease Control H1N1 Flu page