| MEXICO: Dealing with a health crisis |
| May 01, 2009 |
While the reported Swine Flu has been affecting many parts of Mexico, the Salesians and the youth attending Salesian Missions centers have not been infected. The virus which has primarily affected Mexico’s capital has also been identified in many States of Mexico, San Luis Potosí and Southern California. According to a report by the Health Ministry, 12 of 300 deaths caused by breathing complication have been caused directly by influenza. Even though the number of suspected cases is growing, roughly 60% of these cases are being cleared as not cases of Swine Flu. Still, faced with this growing concern, the Government led by President Felipe Calderón has adopted a number of preventative measures such as the cancellation of some public events, the closing of schools until May 6th and the reduction in non-essential government service. Religious life has also been affected. Cardinal Norberto Rivera, archbishop of Mexico City, has suspended religious services while the archdiocese of Guadalajara has requested that the sign of peace be omitted during Mass. Salesian Missions centers have followed the recommendations regarding school closure and public gatherings. The Provincial Centre of Guadalajara Mexico has suspended the Inter-Salesian Games for Oratories and Colleges planned for the weekend in the cities of León and San Luis Potosí. The Salesians of Guadalajara are remaining calm and giving support to everyone they can. (Reported by ANS / Salesian Info Society) |