Nagin Escapes From Shanghai Quarantine
New Orleans mayor no longer held over swine flu fears
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New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin has been let out of quarantine in China, where he was held since Sunday over swine flu worries.
New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin has been released from quarantine in China, after spending three days under virtual arrest because he flew on a plane with a possible swine flu victim.
Nagin spokeswoman Ceeon Quiett told WDSU NewsChannel 6 Wednesday morning that the mayor is on a plane headed for Australia.
Nagin, his wife, and one of his guards had been quarantined since Sunday, after a passenger on their flight from New Jersey showed flu-like symptoms.
Quiett said Nagin plans to fulfill the second leg of his overseas trip with speeches in Australia.
Nagin released a statement thanking Chinese officials.
"On behalf of my family and the citizens of New Orleans, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the medical officials in Shanghai, Shanghai Officials, the US Embassy and others for prioritizing the health and safety of myself, my wife, Mrs. Nagin and the city's law enforcement officer. Thank you. Thank you.
We are departing Shanghai today is the best of health and spirits."
Posted Monday, Jul 13, 2009 - 8:16 PM EST
