Caribbean Airlines advisory regarding the H1N1 flu virus

Caribbean Airlines is advising passengers that the carrier has been required to implement precautionary measures by the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago with the advent of the H1N1 "swine flu" virus in many parts of the world.

The following steps are now required for all airlines, passengers and crews entering Trinidad and Tobago by air from any international/regional destination, from May 3 onwards:

• Each passenger and crew member on board must be issued by the airline with an Acute Respiratory Illness Surveillance Declaration form
• All passengers and crew must complete the Acute Respiratory Illness Surveillance Declaration form. This form is to be presented to a port health officer upon entry into Piarco or Crown Point airports
• All airlines should issue surgical masks to all passengers and crew in the event of a situation on board that would warrant the issuance of these masks. There will be hand sanitisers available to all persons on board to use as required.
• An announcement will be made on the public address (PA) system providing arriving passengers of the health requirements at the ports of entry into Trinidad and Tobago.

Caribbean Airlines continues to work together with the authorities to ensure compliance with the regulatory requirements as issued by the Ministry of Heath, and the health and safety of all its passengers and staff.

For more information on the H1N1 virus, visit the World Health Organisation (WHO) or US Center for Disease Control (CDC) websites.