Screening at P.G.I.A. for Influenza A (H1N1)
In neighboring Mexico, the epicenter of the A H-One N-One flu, it is estimated that tourism will fall as much as forty percent this season. And while in Belize there are no confirmed cases of the deadly virus, the country continues to be on alert. News Five’s Marion Ali headed to the P.G.I.A. today in time for the touch down of a flight bringing visitors from the U.S. and witnessed the arrival screening in place.
Marion Ali Reporting
Since the threat of type A H-one-N-one tourists arriving at the P.G.I.A are closely monitored. With health posters strategically placed on the walls at the arrival lounge, airport and health officials are hoping that this will encourage visiting tourists in practicing hygienic do’s and don’ts while in Belize.
Upon arrival, tourists fill out and hand in a health questionnaire about any flu-like illness, and masked personnel from the Health Department are on hand to look for any visible flu-like symptoms. Public Health Inspector, Rafael Novelo, says this is necessary since the threat of the virus places Belize in a vulnerable position to any potentially infected person.
Rafael Novelo, Public Health Inspector
“This morning we had two of them that showed some signs of runny nose and irritated eyes so we told them to sit down. We checked their temperature, it was ok, but we still refer them to took their particulars – where they’ll be staying, cell number, whatever, in the event that something occurs. Apart from contacting them personally we can contact the place where they stay.”
Immigration officers wearing the full regalia prescribed since the threat of the virus, keep sanitizers close at hand as they carry out their work.
George Reynolds, Officer in Charge, Immigration, P.G.I.A.
“We were issued the face mask and we were given the sanitizers to constantly sanitizers our hands and to wear gloves at some times and we were advised just try not to be exposed to any person sneezing or something like that We explain to them that we are protecting ourselves from any possible, we’re not saying that they actually have it but still we can’t tell.”
Officer-in-charge of Immigration at the P.G.I.A., George Reynolds, says there is the occasional tourist who is offended by the masks, but their next task is to restore a sense of cordiality to the visitor.
George Reynolds
“We would just let them vent out their frustration without going one on one with them and then when they calm down then we will actually talk to them.”
Despite our geographical location in Central America and the Caribbean, Belize remains free of Type A –H-one-N-one and airport, health and immigration authorities continue to monitor visitors’ arrivals at Belize’s main entry point.
Marion Ali News Five, Phillip Goldson International Airport.
