Bernal Sees Positives in Swine Flu Scare

09 July 2009

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Movie star Gael Garcia Bernal has branded the swine flu outbreak in his native Mexico "liberating" - because the whole country united to fight thedeadly disease.

The Motorcycle Diaries actor was in Mexico City when the illness first hit in April (09) and witnessed frightening scenes as panic gripped the nation.

But he eventually saw a positive side to the health scare - it forced families to spend time with each other and reassess their priorities.

The Motorcycle Diaries actor was in Mexico City when the illness first hit in April (09) and witnessed frightening scenes as panic gripped the nation

He says, "At first, it was terrifying, man. I don't understand epidemics, who does? Paranoia and panic spread through the city incredibly fast. I was just watching news reports of all these people dying and not havingany idea when this thing outside my door would end. "(But) it gave the people of Mexico City time for introspection, for once, which was liberating.

Normally the city is caught up in the Western way of operating, which forces you to work all the time and sacrifice any time you might spend with your family and friends.

"Those enforced days indoors gave society the chance to reflect on the way we've all come to live our lives".

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