FACTBOX: Measures in North, South America against flu

(Reuters) - Governments across North and South America took measures to avert a pandemic as the new swine flu virus spread from Mexico.

MEXICO

* In Mexico, the center of the outbreak where 149 people were reported to have died, schools throughout the country have been closed until May 6.

* The Mexican government issued an emergency decree that gives it the power to isolate sick people, enter homes or workplaces and regulate air, sea and land transportation to try and stop further infection.

* Congress was to meet in a closed-door session on Tuesday to consider measures.

* Mexico City authorities shut bars, restaurants, cinemas, gyms and even churches and made soccer teams play in empty stadiums to prevent the disease's spread. Many offices told workers to stay home but traffic remained heavy.

* The government said it had $450,000 available to fight the flu, and the World Bank offered $205 million in loans.

UNITED STATES

* In the United States, where all 52 cases reported have been mild, the government declared a public health emergency. President Barack Obama said it was a "precautionary tool" that would give health officials the resources needed to respond quickly and effectively.

* U.S. health officials advised Americans to avoid "non-essential" trips to Mexico and announced steps to release some of the U.S. stockpiles of the anti-flu drugs Tamiflu and Relenza.

* Local authorities were told to plan for possible school closures and anyone with symptoms was urged to stay at home.

* Officials said they were not testing air travelers from Mexico for the virus but the CDC was preparing a "yellow card" for travelers explaining flu symptoms and precautions to take.

* The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City said it would suspend visa and nonemergency services for U.S. citizens in the city.

* Several major U.S. airlines were allowing customers to change travel plans to Mexico without any fee or penalty.

CANADA

* After six cases were confirmed in Canada, all involving only mild illness, the government said it was increasing its surveillance for possible new cases and urged people to take precautions like frequent hand washing.

* Canada advised against non-essential travel to Mexico.

* Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said the government would provide extra health funding if needed, but for the time being it was a question of monitoring the situation.

BRAZIL

* Officials are screening passengers on flights from the United States, Mexico and Canada for flu symptoms and placed an order for 100,000 surgical masks to be distributed at airports.

CHILE

* Officials installed a fever scanner in the airport to screen passengers from Mexico and the United States and called on citizens to avoid travel to countries with a flu risk.

COLOMBIA

* The government declared a disaster situation as a preventive measure, providing funds for increased monitoring of possible cases and clearing the way for purchases of medicines and gear such as surgical masks.

* The government recommended people suspend trips to Mexico, California and Texas.

VENEZUELA

* Venezuela recommended people avoid travel to Mexico and the United States and stepped up sanitary control at airports.

CUBA

* Cubana Airlines canceled its Havana to Mexico City flight and officials were monitoring passengers arriving from Mexico.

ECUADOR

Ecuador banned imports of pigs and pork products from the United States and Mexico as a precaution. No cases reported.

ARGENTINA, BOLIVIA, PANAMA, PERU, URUGUAY

* Officials checked for people with flu symptoms arriving from Mexico and other countries including the United States where cases have been confirmed.

(Compiled by World Desk Americas and Fiona Ortiz in Buenos Aires; Editing Anthony Boadle)