Swine Flu Precautions

Avoid Travel To Protect Others

The Centers for Disease Control estimate that close to six million Americans have come down with the H1N1 virus, with confirmed cases in all states except New Jersey, Connecticut, Hawaii, South Carolina and the District of Columbia. Governor Patterson declared a swine flu state of emergency in New York yesterday when the state’s 75th fatality had been confirmed. A wide range of organizations are reconsidering their policies in view of the growing threat. Schools are suspending their perfect attendance awards, in order not to encourage students who may be ill to come to class, thereby putting others at risk. Churches are temporarily dispensing with the handshake of peace to reduce contact exposures. But in this touch economy, it is businesses that need to revise certain travel policies. A poll this month conducted by TripAdvisor.com found that 51% of people would board their flights, even if they had the flu, rather than pay cancellation or rebooking fees. To assuage safety concerns of other passengers, airlines should waive such fees temporarily so as not to incent risky behavior.