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Mexico City Lifts Flu Restrictions

Alert level lowered after no new infections reported for a week

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted May 22, 2009 1:24 AM CDT

(Newser) – Mexico City has lifted all measures introduced to curb the spread of swine flu, and changed its alert status to the lowest level, the BBC reports. "We can calm down now," said Mayor Marcelo Ebrard, telling residents they no longer have to wear masks. No new cases of the H1N1 strain have been reported in the city for over a week.

Schools, businesses, and public transportation will now return to normal in the city, which came to a near-total standstill at the height of the outbreak. Ebrard said that even though the alert level has been lowered, it was important for Mexico City residents to continue to remain vigilant, to keep conditions sanitary in places where crowds gather, and to maintain "a culture of health."

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (1)]

A woman wears a face mask as a precaution against swine flu in downtown Mexico City last week. (AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini)

Subway workers use a thermal camera to monitor peoples temperature as they enter the subway in Mexico City earlier this month. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

Passengers wearing masks as a precaution against the swine flu ride a subway train in Mexico City earlier this month. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

A mariachi musician covers his face with a cloth while waiting for business in Garibaldi Plaza in Mexico City last month. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

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Now you can come to the city without any risk. - Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard

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Mexico City Lifts Flu Restrictions