Destination ImagiNation is Closely Monitoring H1N1 (Swine) Flu Virus Outbreak;
No Changes Have Been Made to Global Finals To Date

04 May 2009

Team contact: askdi</at/>dihq.org or 856-881-1603 ext 16

05 May 09 Update to this release as follows:
Good H1N1 News from the CDC:
School closure is not advised for a suspected or confirmed case of novel influenza A (H1N1) and, in general, is not advised unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the school’s ability to function. [Details from the CDC]

Destination ImagiNation Looking Forward to Fun, Safe & Healthy Global Finals:

Destination ImagiNation H1N1 Flu Update  

Glassboro, N.J. –Destination ImagiNation (DI) wants students, parents, team managers and schools to know that all plans for Global Finals remain in place and on schedule for an amazing event beginning May 20 in Knoxville. DI also wants to assure everyone coming that they are staying in close daily contact with the administration at the University of Tennessee and local health officials in Knoxville as everyone continues to monitor the H1N1 flu virus.

“The celebration in Knoxville is one of the highpoints of the year for our participants and their families. We cherish their participation and we are taking every precaution to provide a healthy environment at Global Finals so they can enjoy their accomplishments,” said Rusty McCarty, president of Destination ImagiNation.

DI officials have been working with the University, CDC, the state and local health departments and local Knoxville hospitals to be sure everyone is prepared in case of any health problems during Global Finals, related to the H1N1 virus or otherwise.

“Knoxville is ready to welcome all the DIers and we are looking forward to hosting another successful and exciting Global Finals this year,” said Robert Gibbs, Director of UT Conferences.

DI and the University are taking precautionary health measures in Knoxville, including providing every DI participant and guest with a hand sanitizer, setting up hand-washing stations and promoting the CDC’s advice on virus prevention:

- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

- Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

“Each year, our on-site healthcare staff treats DIers for a variety of things, from homesickness, to sunburn and appendicitis,” said McCarty. “They are well-trained, experienced, and on campus 24/7.”

Teams from Mexico and Singapore have canceled plans to travel to the Global Finals in Knoxville for this year.

“When we announced the news about some teams not getting to travel to Globals this year, we had an outpouring of support from teams around the U.S. who want to be sure that their international peers are recognized in Knoxville,” said McCarty. “The traveling teams are also working on some sort of package of mementos to share with those unable to attend. We all look forward to having all the teams together again next year.”

DI continues to post updates as any important new information becomes available and recommends monitoring these sites as well: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ and http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

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Destination ImagiNation® is the world’s leading nonprofit organization offering real-world experience in creativity, problem solving and teamwork. Our programs, resources and services reach over 300,000 people of all ages annually in all 50 states and 40+ countries.