Flu Lockdown in Mexico

Taking advantage of a holiday weekend, Mexican officials are drastically limiting public life in response to the aggressive spread of swine flu within their borders. Yesterday, President Felipe Calderon delivered a nationally televised speech announcing a freeze on a variety of public services from Friday through Tuesday, coinciding with Cinco de Mayo. Everything from restaurants to soccer stadiums are expected to stay closed, and churches are expected to see minimal attendance, according to The New York Times. As many as 168 people are suspected to have died from swine flu in Mexico, and the World Heath Organization raised its alert concerning the virus to Phase 5 yesterday in response to its rapid spread.