2009-H1N1: CONSULAR SERVICES FOR U.S. CITIZENS ABROAD DURING A PANDEMIC

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 influenza, sometimes referred to as novel H1N1 or swine flu. China has instituted the following procedures for border authorities to screen for the possibility of influenza among passengers on arriving international flights:

Prior to disembarking from the aircraft, passengers will be required to complete and submit a Health and Quarantine (H&Q) declaration card, which will be provided by the air carrier.  H&Q officials will collect the cards on board the aircraft or planeside.

All passengers will be required to proceed through two separate thermal-scanning checkpoints.  Temperature readings are taken by hand wands or from fixed-position infrared monitors that do not make any contact with the traveler. The Shanghai Public Health Bureau has notified the U.S. Consulate General Shanghai that passengers with temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) could be subject to quarantine or be sent to a hospital to test for the presence of H1N1.

If you are quarantined or placed in isolation due to 2009-H1N1 influenza, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at the number below so we can monitor your situation.  However, please be aware that if you are detained or quarantined the U.S. Government is not authorized to demand your immediate release.

Due to legal restrictions and a lack of sufficient resources, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate is not in a position to provide private citizens with pandemic-related supplies, medications or medical treatment, including vaccines, and cannot provide specific medical advice.  Questions and concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional.  A list of local hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at http://shanghai.usembassy-china.org.cn/health_and_safety.html.

For more information on how to prepare for a severe pandemic, please see the State Department "Pandemic Influenza Fact Sheet" and "Options During a Pandemic" flyer located on www.travel.state.gov.  Detailed information about 2009-H1N1 influenza can be found on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/, the U.S. Government's federal influenza website at http://www.flu.gov, and the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html.

U.S. citizens residing or traveling in China are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/, to obtain updated travel and security information. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  Registration is important; it allows the U.S. Embassy or Consulate and the State Department to assist you in an emergency.

The U.S. Embassy can be reached 24 hours per day at 86-10-8531-3000.  The addresses and telephone contact information for the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in China are at the bottom of this announcement. 

U.S. Embassy Beijing:  Tian Ze Road intersection of An Jia Lou Road, Chaoyang District.  Telephone number during regular business hours and for after-hours emergencies: 86-10-8531-4000, Email: amcitbeijing@state.gov.  Embassy’s website:  beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn. 

U.S. Consulate General Chengdu:  Number 4, Lingshiguan Road, Section 4, Renmin Nanlu, Chengdu 610041, tel. 86-28-8558-3992, Email: consularchengdu@state.gov.  For after hours emergencies, please call 86-28-1370-800-1422.

U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou:  The Consular Section is located at 5th Floor, Tianyu Garden (II phase), 136-146 Lin He Zhong Lu, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510133, tel. (86-20) 8518-7605, Email: GuangzhouACS@state.gov.  Guangzhou adoptions Email: GuangzhouA@state.gov.  For after hours emergencies, please call 86-20-8121-8000.

U.S. Consulate General Shanghai:  The Consular Section is located in the Westgate Mall, 8th Floor, 1038 Nanjing Xi Lu, Shanghai 200041; tel. (86-21) 3217-4650, Email: Shanghaiacs@state.gov.  For after hours emergencies, please call 86-21-6433-3936.

U.S. Consulate General Shenyang:  No. 52, 14th Wei Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110003; tel. (86-24) 2322-1198, Email: ShenyangACS@state.gov.  For after hours emergencies, please call 86-24-137-0988-9307.