Swine Flu: Mother's Day Brunch

Given the swine flu crisis in Wisconsin, I think it's the responsible thing to shut down ALL restaurants serving buffet style for Mother's Day.

It's too risky.

Nothing spreads germs like grabbing plates and serving utensils and food that hundreds of other people have touched.

Sneeze guards are nonexistent at many brunches, especially at the establishments that normally don't serve buffet style, often more high-end places.

Remember people are contagious BEFORE they present symptoms.

If Mayor Tom Barrett is closing schools, certainly he, Milwaukee Health Commissioner Bevan Baker, and health department officials should prohibit all buffets until the threat from swine flu has passed.

If they don't take that radical step, they should at least hold a news conference recommending that people avoid these potential hotbeds of swine flu, and require that restaurants post signs warning of the dangers. After all, this is a health emergency.

Gov. Jim Doyle and Dr. Seth Foldy should also hold a news conference to warn the public of the risks of Mother's Day brunch.

In addition, since thousands of Milwaukee Public School kids and staff are having a vacation and milling around the community, Barrett should warn the public that no public place is safe from the swine flu virus.

Remember, according to the CDC:

How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?

At the current time, CDC believes that this virus has the same properties in terms of spread as seasonal flu viruses. With seasonal flu, studies have shown that people may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?

Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.

Barrett should do the responsible thing and warn the public to avoid all buffets; and doorknobs in public places.