An American Reports on Swine Flu in Mexico

I live in the city of Guanajuato, between Mexico City and San Louis Potosi, both areas with cases of swine flu. In other words, I do not feel sure we will be free here of a disease transmitted person to-person and now rated Class 4 by the World Health Organization. I'm being especially careful as are the many masked people I see along the street because the swine flu cases reported in Mexico are more severe than in the US.

Going out walking, a delight I've taken for granted in this UNESCO' World Cultural Heritage city, now has a dark side. I don't like feeling suspicious or being suspected of carrying the swine flu virus. It's awful knowing we are all potentially dangerous even though no local cases have been reported.

Mexican President Felipe Calderon has ordered all schools, universities, stadiums, museums and other public gathering places such as gyms and child care centers to shut down until May 6. That means anyone planning a daughter's fifteenth birthday party (a big deal here), is likely to put it off to protect family and friends.

What is so magic about May 6? Calderon obviously wanted time to see how the outbreak increases or recedes under these public health measures but May 6 also follows a national spring break when the country is largely on hold from Labor Day on May 1 through Cinco de Mayo, May 5. Undoubtedly, Mexican beach hotels will suffer; people are already canceling, preferring to stay home than risk contagion.

I live far from a beach but my daily life is being affected:

I wear a mask covering my nose and mouth when I leave home: This is no longer considered protective but would keep me from spreading the virus if I cough or sneeze. The latest information emphasizes avoiding crowded places, frequent hand washing with soap and water and not touching surfaces.

I avoid the public markets and supermarkets: These are obviously enclosed public places with many people coming and going. To buy food, I go into a neighborhood shop, wear my surgeon-type mask over my mouth, and do my shopping as quickly as possible. If I can't get what I want, I substitute. For example, I usually go easy on cheese and eggs, but for now if they're the most available source of protein, I buy them. Many butcher shops have shut down for lack of customers.

I avoid public transportation: I walk instead, another reason for not going to the faraway supermarket where I would usually carry my groceries home on a bus. This cramps my style although car owners are less affected and is hardly like avoiding the Mexico City Metro system, as many people there are doing. Mexico City's mayor may yet decide to shut it down during the crisis. Meanwhile employers are asked to forgive absences or delays related to transport and child care.

My Mexican friends and I are more formal with each other: No more kissing on the cheek or the handshakes customary here. The Health Department recommends people stand 1.8 meters (nearly five feet apart), a dramatic change in a culture where people usually stand much closer.

I won't be going to restaurants, concerts or yoga class: Concert-going, whether jazz, classical or folklorico is usually the chile that spices up my week, I'll miss the yoga class I began a month ago, and in a city with many inexpensive restaurants, I'm in the habit of eating out several times a week, a social as well as gastronomic pleasure.

If restricting choices brakes the imminent swine flu pandemic and preserves my health, then I fully support Mexico's strict measures. Meanwhile, like everyone here, I keep checking the news.