We continue to monitor the swine influenza type A (H1N1) virus situation. Although no employees have been impacted, AFSCME MARYLAND COUNCIL 67 continues to watch the situation closely for any impact to our business and our employees. We will continue to monitor the situation to ensure AFSCME’S contingency plans are in place and are ready to act if necessary.

AFSCME is watching updates provided by the Baltimore City Health Department, Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene and U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure we are providing employees with up to date and accurate information. At this time, the CDC has issued a notice recommending that American citizens avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico at this time. Travelers are encouraged to comply with suggestions by Mexican public health officials and to be alert to good health and sanitation practices.

To stay informed please visit the following websites for updated information.

If you are feeling ill, please contact your doctor. AFSCME will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.

Questions can be sent to sbritton@afscme67.org.
Please see the following links for information about Swine Flu:

Baltimore City Health Department – www.baltimorehealth.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – www.cdc.gov
Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene – www.maryland.gov
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – www.hhs.gov
World Health Organization – www.who.int/en/

Preventative measures that you can take to help reduce your risk:

-    Wash your hands well and often with soap and water (wash for 20 seconds) OR use portable hand sanitizer.
-    Cover your cough or sneeze with a clean tissue or sneeze/cough into your elbow. Throw away the tissue after using and clean your hands.
-    Don’t touch your eyes or nose – this can spread infection.
-    Stay home if you are sick.

The Citizen’s Common Sense Swine Flu Checklist (Maryland DHMH):
If you have a flu-like illness including:

Fever >100°F (37.8°C) AND Cough OR Sore Throat AND History of travel to an affected area within 7 days of illness onset

OR

Contact with an ill person fitting the above travel description within 7 days of illness onset

PLEASE STAY HOME and CALL your doctor.