Dear Friends, ServiceTeam Experience Participants, and Volunteers,
We have recently seen a tremendous increase in the worldwide spread of the H1N1 virus (sometimes inaccurately referred to as the Swine Flu), as well as the media coverage of the quick-spreading nature of this virus.
As of April 30th, 2009, the Guatemalan government and US Embassy have stated that there are no confirmed cases of H1N1 in Guatemala. However, given Guatemala's close proximity to Mexico and the high volumn of cross-border travel, logic dictates that the H1N1 virus will arrive in Guatemala very soon.
We are following the United States government's lead in our response to this health concern, as well as the leadership of the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. We STRONGLY encourage all scheduled visitors, ServiceTeam Experience participants, and Volunteers to our programs in Guatemala and El Salvador to constantly review the material posted in the following links, so that our visitors, ServiceTeam Experience participants, and Volunteers can make an informed, discerned decision as to whether you wish to travel to Central America at this time.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_pandemic.html
Under the current circumstances, should a ServiceTeam Experience participant/group scheduled to come to Guatemala or El Salvador decide to cancel or postpone their trip at this time, The GOD'S CHILD Project will fully refund your registration fee and any daily participation fees already paid. Unfortunately, we are unable to refund any travel insurance premiums already paid on your behalf.
Most airlines are allowing penalty-free cancellations and/or changes to itinerary.
ServiceTeam Experience participants and Volunteers that do come to Guatemala or El Salvador do so realizing that H1N1 is spreading rapidly, and probably will become present in Guatemala and El Salvador at any time. This creates an added element of risk that we can identify, but not control or entirely prevent.
Visitors, ServiceTeam Experience participants, and Volunteers who do come at this time are requested to bring a contingency supply of 3 N95 facemasks per day per person, plus sufficient hand sanitizing gel and disposable medical-type gloves to last for the length of their stay in Central America, in case they decide/need to use them while they are in Central America. These supplies ARE NOT available for purchase in Central America.
All program and ServiceTeam and Volunteer activities are currently operating as normal. Should the need arise, of course, we will adjust our program activities accordingly or should be, cancel them in whole or in part.
Thanks for your love and support for the children of The GOD'S CHILD Project, and all that you do to help make the Project happen.
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