Since the Daily reported on the University’s plans for swine flu, the situation has been chaging rapidly. We’ll keep tabs on things as they progress, and look for continued coverage here and in the paper.

A second e-mail went out to students late last night from the offices of Vice President for University Services, Kathleen O’Brien and Assistant Vice President for Public Health and Dean of the School of Public Health, John Finnegan, to alert students to the following:

"Late Monday, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the US State Department issued a travel alert advising no non-essential travel by US citizens to Mexico. University officials will be reviewing this information Tuesday to determine its effect on University Study Abroad and other international programs."

The University, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization have great and constantly updated information on the swine flu.

A few things to remember: the flu is not passed through the ingestion of pork products, so continue to enjoy all the Dome dogs and chops you can eat. Basic hygiene is going to be key in stopping the spread of germs — handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and so on. If you’re sick, stay home. If you’re sick and you’ve been to Mexico recently (as in, the last 7-10 days) call your physician to discuss a course of action. Some folks are even advocating for personal supplies of bottled water and dried or canned foods. If things escalate to the point of the 1918 Spanish influenza pandemic, they may come in handy.

An update from the Minnesota Department of Health confirms there are still no cases of the disease in the state, after having tested 30 specimens.

Stay informed, but don’t panic. And keep picking up The Minnesota Daily to find out more.