The federal government declared a public health emergency Sunday and confirmed 20 cases of Swine flu in 5 states:  eight cases in New York City, one case in Ohio, two in Kansas, two in Texas, and seven in California.  In Mexico police are handing out masks, and the flu is spreading.  81 people are dead and 1,300 people are sick. There are also cases in Canada, Spain and New Zealand.  
Top health officials briefed reporters at the White House and we are linking to a transcript of the entire news conference at Forbes.com.  They stress that all the U.S. cases are mild, but the virus is spreading rapidly and could get worse.  Today's declaration frees up money and resources, and releases stockpiles of anti viral drugs in case there is a major outbreak in the United States.  
Reuters reports major airlines, including American, Continental and US Airways, are allowing customers to change travel plans to Mexico without any fee or penalty.  Health officials are warning people who are sick not to travel by air any other form of pulic transportation.  They say if you have a fever or flu symptoms, don't go to school or work. Stay home and call a doctor.