Subject:  American Community Security Update - June 2003

Welcome to the June newsletter!  Here are the topics for this month:

     --  Security Situation
     --  Threat Level Raised
     --  Report Suspicious Activity

     --  Upcoming Holidays
     --  Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Section 911) Preserved
     --  U.S. Passport FAQ
     --  SARS: Advice on Prevention
     --  Cancellation Of Travel Warning - Vietnam
     --  WHO Lifts Hong Kong Travel Advisory

     --  Useful Web Sites
     --  NTT iTownpage on line
     --  SARS: IATA Answers To Frequently Asked Questions

     --  Unsubscribing from this List


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Security Situation
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The security situation in Japan remains the same with no new threat information other than the April 21, 2003 Worldwide Caution Public Announcement we distributed via this channel (you can always read the most current information online at http://travel.state.gov).


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Threat Level Raised
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On May 20, 2003 the Department of Homeland Security in consultation with the Homeland Security Council, has made the decision to raise the national threat level from an Elevated to High risk of terrorist attack or Level Orange.  The U.S. Intelligence Community believes that Al Qaida has entered an operational period worldwide, and this may include attacks in the United States.  Further information about this announcement may be obtained from the DHS website at http://www.dhs.gov


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Report Suspicious Activity
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The attacks on residential compounds in Saudi Arabia serve as a tragic example that terrorists continue to plan and intend to conduct operations against U.S. interests.  Coupled with the recent call to attack addressed to Muslims reputedly by an associate of the Al Qaida network, there can be little doubt of the intention to inflict damage and casualties where and when terrorists are prepared.  The U.S. embassy continues to alert the Government of Japan and the public to the general world-wide terrorist attack risk.  We urge all to be alert and to report suspicious activity to the Japanese police.  If you have information that can help us find international terrorists, send a tip to the US program of rewards for terrorism; see http://www.dssrewards.net or contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate security office.


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Upcoming Holidays
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There are no holiday closings in June.  A full list of all of our holiday closings for 2003 is online at http://usembassy.state.gov/tokyo/wwwhholidays.html

As a reminder, workdays just before and just after a holiday are usually very busy times, so if you do come in to see us then your wait will likely be longer than on other days.  Monday mornings, Wednesday mornings and Friday afternoons are our busiest times.  Visit us outside of those times and you should have a shorter wait.


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Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Section 911) Preserved
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The tax cut bill passed last week by Congress was originally scheduled to eliminate the Section 911 foreign earned income exclusion, increasing taxes for overseas Americans.  The provision was removed from the bill that was sent to the White House.  USA Today summarized: "Americans abroad became the targets of tax writers when the Senate tried to cut taxes by more than $350 billion, a limit demanded by moderate Republicans.  To lower the net total, Senate leaders added some tax increases. The largest, worth more than $32 billion over 10 years, would have jettisoned the break that permits Americans overseas to exclude up to $80,000 in annual income from U.S. taxes ($160,000 for couples)."

You can learn more on this and other topics of interest to Americans overseas at the American Citizens Abroad website: http://www.aca.ch


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Passport FAQ
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--  My spouse is going to the Embassy to renew our child's passport.  Do we need to provide a "two parent consent form?"

Many children's passports can be renewed by mail (see http://usembassy.state.gov/tokyo/wwwhacs-7130i.html).

In person or by mail, all applicants under the age of 14 must meet the requirements listed in the Law on Passport Applications for Minors (see http://usembassy.state.gov/tokyo/wwwhacs-7142.html).  For those parents who are required to apply in person on behalf of their child, one parent signs in person and submits the second parent's photo ID and signed "two parent consent form" (download the form at http://travel.state.gov/DS-3053.pdf.  The form does not need to be notarized.)  You can learn more about the rules for two-parent consent at http://usembassy.state.gov/tokyo/wwwhacs-7130i.html.


--  Do my newborn's passport photos have to show her eyes open?  How do I take the pictures?  How long do I have to apply?

The child's eyes need to be open.  One way is to do this is to place the child on a white blanket on the floor and take the photo while standing over him/her.  You can also go to a professional photographer if you prefer.  While you have until the child turns 18 to apply for the first passport, we suggest you apply as soon as possible.  Processing takes about three weeks, and your child will not be able to travel in an emergency without the passport.  You can learn more about your baby's first passport and Report of Birth at http://usembassy.state.gov/tokyo/wwwhacs-7115.html.


--  Can I use black and white photos for my passport?

Black and white is fine.  The photos must be 2" x 2" (5 cm x 5 cm) with a white background.  Be careful with the size-- "passport photos" you get at a local Japanese photographer's shop are usually too small and are intended for a Japanese passport.  You can learn more about applying for a passport, including details on the photos, at http://usembassy.state.gov/tokyo/wwwhacs-7130c.html.


--  When I download a passport application, can I use A4-size paper?  I can't get 8.5 x 11 paper in Japan.

You can use A4 paper.  The forms you print must be clear and sharp, printed in black on white paper, with no holes or perforations, at least medium (such as used in most photocopiers) paper weight, and with a matte surface.  Thermal paper, dye-sublimation paper, special inkjet paper and other shiny papers are not acceptable.  You can download the passport applications forms you'll need at http:/travel.state.gov/get_forms.html.


--  Should I staple one of the two photos needed for a passport to the application form?

Yes, please.


--  On the passport application form it asks for an address to mail the passport to.  What should I write?

Write your mailing address in Japan, where you would normally receive mail.  If you are in the military, this is usually your APO address.


--  On the passport application form it asks for a "permanent address."  I live in Japan now, but may move back to the U.S. someday.  What should I write?

It is up to you.  If you reside in Japan, you can write your Japanese street address.  Even if they live in Japan, some people prefer to write a U.S. address, such as their parents' home or company headquarters.


--  I live in Japan for the time being.  What should I write on the passport application under "Departure Date?"

Departure Date is optional, so you can leave it blank if you wish.


--  I can't remember my/my child's Social Security Number.  What should I do?

If you have not applied, you can make an application for a Social Security Number through the Federal Benefits Unit at the American Embassy.  Please give us a call at 03-3224-5183 first for details.  For newborn's, you'll apply for a Social Security Number at the same time you apply for a first passport.

If you do not remember your child's Social Security Number you can inquire by calling: 1-410-966-5877 in Baltimore, Maryland, or 63-2-523-1001, the Social Security Regional Representative office, located at the U.S. Embassy, Manila, Philippines.  You can also write to the Social Security Administration, Office of International Operations, PO Box 17769, Baltimore, MD 21235.  In either case you will need to provide the father's full name, mother's full name, mother's maiden name, child's full name, child's sex and child's date and place of birth.


--  I applied for passport in the U.S. but came to Japan before receiving the passport.  Where can I call to ask about its status?

Please call the National Passport Information Center at 1-900-225-5674, a toll call.  Credit Card service (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) is available when 900 service is blocked at 1-888-362-8668.  Unfortunately the Embassy does not have information on passport applications in-process in the U.S.  


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SARS: Advice on Prevention
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The latest SARS Update from the Department of State is dated May 12, 2003 and is also available at http://travel.state.gov.  Consult country-specific information on that same web site for additional SARS-related travel tips and cautions.

The Department of State recently provided the following advice to its employees worldwide:

The Centers for Disease Control advise that hand washing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of SARS and other respiratory illnesses in public settings.  While there is increasing use of common surgical masks by travelers and the public in many SARS-affected areas, there is no evidence to suggest they provide protection to the wearer.  Moreover, the wearer of such masks may actually increase his/her risk of contagion by using it improperly, i.e. by frequently touching the mask without washing hands, or by not properly disposing of masks.

For these reasons, the wearing of common surgical masks is strictly voluntary.  Staff wishing to wear respiratory protection in public locations within the workplace may certainly do so, with the understanding that there is no indication that masks alone afford protection against the SARS virus.

For those who wish to use a mask, N-95 masks (a high-efficiency filter mask used in medical and construction settings) are recommended.  Medical staff should brief personnel who choose to use the N-95 mask on the proper use, disposal, and critical hygiene measures to be used with masks, as well as conduct an initial fit test.  If not properly used, the wearing of a mask could increase risk of infection.


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Cancellation Of Travel Warning - Vietnam
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The Travel Warning for Vietnam issued April 24, 2003, has been cancelled, as the overall presence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS-like symptoms has
improved in Vietnam and authorized departure for Embassy Hanoi and Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City has been lifted.


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WHO Lifts Hong Kong Travel Advisory 
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On May 23 the WHO lifted the travel advisory against non-essential travel to Hong Kong, which had been in effect since April 2.  Our Consulate in Hong Kong reported that Minister for Health, Welfare and Food Yeoh Eng-kiong said May 26 that the next goal was to get the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to lift its advisory for Hong Kong, which he characterized as more stringent.  Toward that end, Dr. Yeoh said he would be seeking further clarifications from the CDC on its definitions of "infections at the community level."


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Useful Web Sites
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Information on SARS from the French Embassy in Japan:
http://www.ambafrance-jp.org/vivre_au_japon/consulaire/messages/index.html


Information on SARS from the British Embassy in Japan:
http://www.uknow.or.jp/be_e/ukview/speeches/speeches/SP000264_9__e.htm


Information on SARS from the New Zealand Ministry of Health website at www.moh.govt.nz/sars


Information on SARS from the American Embassy in Japan:
http://usembassy.state.gov/tokyo/wwwhacs-sars.html


For those traveling to Indonesia, there are new security awareness and emergency preparedness documents, including a list of Jakarta police contact details, on the U.S. Embassy website: jakarta.usemebassy.gov.  To access the documents directly, please go to http://jakarta.usembassy.gov/consular/security.html. 


Information on Changing Your International Driver's License to a Japanese License:  http://www.rainbowfia.or.jp/english/news/newsbackno/0305/no223_01.pdf


More information on driving in Japan from the American Embassy in Japan:  http://usembassy.state.gov/tokyo/wwwhacs-drive.html


(Note that inclusion of Non-U.S. Government links or information does not imply endorsement of contents)


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NTT iTownpage on line
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NTT no longer publishes its English language TOWNPAGE Directories for East and West Japan (as of this year's 2003 edition).  However, a new directory service, iTOWNPAGE-English, is available.  This enables users to search for information on companies and shops in Japan, such as telephone numbers, addresses, URLs, e-mail addresses, service details, business hours, charges, information on living and doing business in Japan and links to the world Internet Yellow Pages. Visit http://english.itp.ne.jp/ 


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SARS: IATA Answers To Frequently Asked Questions
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(This information is from the International Air Transport Association. An updated FAQ is available on their web site at http://www.iata.org/pressroom/iata_speaks/2003-05-06-01.htm or http://www.iata.org/index.htm)


--  Is air travel a high-risk transmission environment? 

No. The risk of transmission on airplanes is very low.   Travelers who develop SARS symptoms, as well as other respiratory illnesses accompanied by a fever, are advised not to undertake travel until fully recovered.  Local departments of health in SARS outbreak countries have also undertaken precautionary screening measures, which may include temperature checks for all passengers,  to prevent infected passengers from travelling.

Over 200 million passengers  have flown since early March,  of which approximately one-third in Asia.  Since the beginning of April, six flights carried SARS suspect cases on board,  but no cases of inflight transmission have occurred.  No cases of SARS suspect cases onboard have occurred since effective screening measures were introduced. 


--  Do aircraft have adequate ventilation?

Yes.  The configurations of the air circulation system for commercial aircraft are designed to the specifications of international aviation regulations as well as guidelines of aircraft manufacturers, including Boeing and Airbus. 

Circulation:  In flight, fresh air is introduced into the cabin continuously. The entire cabin air volume is exchanged every three minutes. 

Airflow: The airflow movement is designed to minimize the potential for spreading of bacteria through the cabin. 

Filter: Most major airlines install HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters which are highly efficient in removing dust and airborne contaminants such as droplets, bacterium and large viral particles. This filter type is also used by hospital operating theaters.

Humidity/Air Quality: As the humidity is quite low, this makes the cabin environment quite inhospitable to germs' survival and growth. 


--  Is there a risk of getting infected by another passenger on board a flight?

Information to date suggests that there is no transmission of infection from persons with no symptoms of the disease (such as fever, cough or sneeze).  


--  Are passengers at risk from the cabin crew?

No, all cabin crew should be medically fit and physically capable to fly and fulfill their duties on board.  If they feel unwell, or have symptoms such as fever or cough, they would not be working. 


--  Should passengers take any precautions when travelling on airplanes?

Travelers from SARS outbreak countries who demonstrate symptoms of SARS such as fever and respiratory symptoms should postpone further travels and seek medical advice immediately.  All persons should observe good personal hygiene. Wash hands frequently.  If passengers cough or sneeze while onboard, they should cover their mouth and nose, and wash their hands afterwards.


--  Should passengers wear masks when travelling by air?

Those who feel more comfortable for personal reasons may choose to wear a mask.  However, the best defense against SARS is to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene (such as frequent hand washing).


--  What is the risk for a person sitting next to a SARS infected passenger on board a flight?

With the new screening methods in place in SARS outbreak countries, the chances of a potentially sick passenger travelling on board an aircraft and transmitting the disease to others is very low.

Current data supports that a person is not infectious unless they are sick or symptomatic.  Based on available epidemiological data, the vast majority of transmissions have occurred as a result of respiratory droplet spread through close person to person contacts.

If an apparently healthy passenger boarded a flight, and then proceeded to develop respiratory symptoms during the flight , guidelines from the WHO, local Departments of Health and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) provide for airline crew to place a facemask on that passenger, isolate them where possible and block off the vacated seat if possible. A dedicated toilet will be blocked off for use by the suspect passenger.  Therefore, the risk of transmitting the disease is very low.


--  Should cabin crew wear a mask, gloves or other protection?

Routine wearing of face masks is not necessary for cabin crew.  It is recommended that the following people wear a mask on board: 

People who are suffering from SARS or manifest symptoms of respiratory tract infection. 

Cabin crew who take care of a suspect SARS passenger are recommended to wear masks, gloves and some form of eye protection. 


--  What should happen if someone on board an aircraft develops symptoms consistent with SARS during the flight?

Stay calm. The vast majority of cases of fever and respiratory symptoms are not likely to be SARS, but rather other types of common respiratory illnesses. 

During the flight, if any passenger is observed to be suffering from symptoms of a fever or has respiratory symptoms, cabin crew should follow clear guidelines to assist the passenger and minimize the risk to crew and travelling public. 

This includes isolating the passenger and seeking medical advice for proper diagnosis.  As it is not possible to make a definitive diagnosis onboard an aircraft, the case may be classified as a "suspect" case. If it is a "suspect case", then the Captain of the carrier will then follow certain procedures, which involve notifying the arrival port health authorities. 

The passenger will be provided a mask to minimize the dispersal of potentially infectious droplets. Any persons having contact with the passenger should wash their hands thoroughly and frequently to prevent the spread of the virus. 

Passenger disembarkation may be delayed upon arrival and will only commence after the port doctor has assessed the patient. 

Depending on port health authorities' assessment, crew and passengers may be required to provide contact details. All crew and passengers who are otherwise healthy will NOT be detained from continuing with their onward journey

Following a flight with a suspect SARS passenger on board, the aircraft will be cleansed and disinfected following strict cleaning procedures in accordance with directives from the local port health authorities.


--  Who will notify passengers if it is discovered that a person suffering from SARS - passenger or crew - traveled on board a particular flight?

Passengers: Local health authorities will contact passengers and conduct notification and medical surveillance.  Airlines are bound by local Department of Health notification guidelines and will co-operate with local health authorities in assisting to acquire contact information when required.

Crew : Local public health authorities will notify the airlines that carried a known probable SARS case on one of its flights. If advised of a probable SARS case in a passenger, airlines are to follow up with all operating crew who might have been exposed to the sick passenger, notify them of the incident and advise them to seek prompt medical assistance should they suffer from symptoms of SARS. 


--  How is the aircraft cleaned after it has carried a suspect SARS passenger?

Following a flight with a suspect SARS passenger on board, the aircraft will be cleaned following procedures in accordance with directives from the local port health authorities.  This involves strict cleansing and disinfecting of the zone of risk in the cabin area (i.e. seats, headrests, tabletops, handsets, etc.) where the passenger was seated, as well as all passenger facilities.


--  Is there a risk of infection from handling baggage or goods belonging to a SARS infected person?

It is highly unlikely that a person can be infected with SARS from handling baggage or goods, as the major route of infection is as a result of close personal contact.  


--  What about SARS Transmission on Air China Flight 112?

There has been widespread reporting of an Agence France Presse (AFP) story concerning the identification of a SARS "super-spreader" on board Air China flight 112 on 15 March, 2003.  This unfortunate onboard transmission of SARS occurred prior to the implementation of pre-departure passenger screening for SARS symptoms at airports.

As stated in the IATA press release of 5 May 2003, over 200 million passengers have flown since early March, of which approximately one-third in Asia.  Since the beginning of April, six flights carried SARS suspect cases, but no cases of inflight transmission have occurred.  Furthermore, no cases of SARS onboard have occurred since screening measures were introduced.  The risk of transmission on airplanes is very low. Travelers who develop SARS symptoms, as well as other respiratory illnesses accompanied by a fever, are advised not to undertake travel until fully recovered.  Local departments of health in SARS outbreak countries have also undertaken precautionary screening measures, which may include temperature checks for all passengers, to prevent infected passengers from traveling.


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Unsubscribing from this List
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We make every attempt to include in our newsletter information of real value.  We know that should world events dictate, we can use this email channel to get important information to you, as we did in the immediate aftermath of 9/11.

That said, if you are leaving Japan or otherwise wish to unsubscribe from this list, please write from the same email address you used to subscribe, and send a blank email to:

          leave-tokyoacs@mh.databack.com