Mexico declares national emergency amid outbreak

By News on the Net —— Bio and Archives April 26, 2009

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MEXICO CITY — President Felipe Calderon declared a national emergency Saturday, authorizing federal officials to quarantine the sick, shut down public events and businesses, and take other measures to contain the virus’ spread.

“Although this is a grave, serious problem, we’re going to beat it,” Calderon said Saturday. Many in this crowded capital of 20 million are holing up or fleeing town as Mexico braces for what the World Health Organization warns could explode into a deadly global flu epidemic. Schools and universities remain closed, and people are being asked to avoid movie theaters, concerts and other mass gatherings. More...