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April 30, 2009

In an industry which facilitates the cultural exchange of international young adults to live in the homes of U.S. families while providing child care, goAUPAIR is closely monitoring the developments of the recent Influenza A (H1N1) or Swine Flu outbreak to review the impacts, if any, on the Au Pair program.

In response to this event goAUPAIR has contacted all Au Pairs and International Representatives living abroad as well as Au Pairs, Host Families and Local Representatives here in the U.S. to encourage everyone to follow all precautionary measures as advised by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)and to seek medical attention if they experience any flu-like symptoms.

At this time goAUPAIR is not aware of any negative impacts to the Au Pair Program from the outbreak other than delays in obtaining visas in Mexico due to Consulate closures. The U.S. Consulate General in Monterrey suspended all non-immigrant visa appointments to comply with Mexican government measures to limit the congregation of large crowds. The consulate plans to resume visa and other consular operations on Wednesday, May 6th and provided information for the rescheduling of appointments.
For more information please visit http://monterrey.usconsulate.gov/.

Both goAUPAIR and our International Affiliates in Mexico are hopeful the situation will return to normal. goAUPAIR’s International Representative in Monterrey provided a firsthand update on the situation. Alberto commented:

“The news is all about this flu. Although everyone talks about it, it seems to be under control and the new cases reported are reducing constantly. In Mexico City they have the strongest measures and they have cancelled concerts, movie theaters, soccer games, anything where a large crowd can gather. Restaurants only sell food to go, and now as you see the US embassy and its consulates are closed. I, personally, haven't heard of anyone I know who is infected.

They recently said that it is not needed to shut down the borders as this virus can be anywhere already. On May 6th they will issue an evaluation of the situation. School, commerce and the US embassy are scheduled to go back to normal on that date.”

goAUPAIR will continue to monitor the situation and provide information regarding any impacts this has on the Au Pair program. For more information on impacts to goAUPAIR and the Au Pair Program please visit www.goAUPAIR.com.  For the most up-to-date information on the Swine Flu, please visit www.cdc.gov.

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