Warden Message (June 28, 2009)
To: All American Wardens
From: Consular Section
Subject: Warden Notice 2009 – 10
Please circulate the following message without additions or omissions immediately to all American citizens within your area of responsibility.
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Warden Message
Kuwait, 28 June 2009
This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 Influenza, sometimes referred to as swine flu or novel H1N1. All U.S. citizens are reminded that the Kuwaiti authorities continue to screen travelers arriving from countries that have reported cases of the H1N1 influenza, including the United States. However, the previous three-part health surveillance cards are no longer being given out. Passengers are now provided with an information card, which instructs individuals to report to a clinic if they have influenza-like illnesses. Passengers are no longer required to report to a government clinic within 72 hours (unless they have influenza-like symptoms).
American citizens should be aware that the Embassy cannot demand their immediate release if they have been detained or quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal authorities.
Any questions or concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional. Although the Embassy cannot provide medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at http://kuwait.usembassy.gov.
Please note that the Embassy is NOT advising Americans in Kuwait to depart. At this time, the Embassy advises that Americans review the guidance provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, and make their own decisions about whether to remain in Kuwait.
For more information on U.S. Government policy during a pandemic, and for travel safety information, please see the State Department’s “Pandemic/Avian Influenza” and “Remain in Country” fact sheets on www.travel.state.gov. Further information about 2009-H1N1 Influenza, including steps you can take to stay healthy, can be found at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/, the U.S. Government pandemic influenza website at http://www.pandemicflu.gov, and the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html.
U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the United States for the latest travel information. The Office of Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday, by calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling (202) 501-4444 from other countries.
Americans living or traveling in Kuwait 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/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Kuwait. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located on Masjed Al-Aqsa St, Bayan Area, telephone: 2259-1581, 2259-1583 or 2259-1248, Fax: 2259-1438, Email: KuwaitACS@state.gov, web site: http://kuwait.usembassy.gov.
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American citizens with any questions or concerns may telephone the Embassy at 2259-1581, 2259-1583 or 2259-1248. In case of an emergency outside business hours, American citizens may reach the Embassy duty officer by calling 2259-1001.
For the latest security information, Americans should regularly monitor the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays.)
This message may be accessed on the Embassy website, http://kuwait.usembassy.gov American citizens in Kuwait who would like to receive future Warden Messages from the Embassy directly by e-mail may sign up for this service by sending an e-mail to the following address: join-wardenmessagekuwait@mh.databack.com
American citizens resident and visiting in Kuwait who are not registered with the Embassy, or whose registration information has changed, are urged to register as soon as possible. They may now do so on-line at the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_1186.html
Please note that the Consular Section is closed for American and most local holidays. The current holiday schedule for the year 2009 may be viewed via the link below: http://kuwait.usembassy.gov/holidays.html