Travel Restrictions; Hogwarts Quarantine
Most of you will have heard the news about the sudden illness of Puddlemere United member Samuel Morris. Earlier today, Healers from St Mungo's confirmed that Morris's symptoms appear to be similar to those of muggle paralysis, which until now had circulated only among muggles and mudbloods.
Samuel Morris is a subject in good standing, but is not a pureblood, and while his heritage has not held him back from prowess on the quidditch pitch, it does appear that it has made him more vulnerable to this particular sickness.
Effective immediately, for the protection of halfblood subjects, the following restrictions must be followed.
1. All large public gatherings are cancelled. The quidditch leagues are currently discussing whether to suspend the current season, or to continue but with games broadcast over WWN only; their decision will likely be announced in tomorrow's Prophet.
2. All unnecessary travel between counties is forbidden. Travelling for work and (for children too young to attend Hogwarts) school is still permitted; it is also acceptable to travel to seek the care of a Healer and in the case of a family emergency.
3. Halfbloods are herewith banned from using the floo system for either travel or communication. Portkeys, apparition, and brooms may still be used. An Emergency Portkey Office has been set up and those in need of an official Ministry Portkey may apply for one; forms are available via owl.
4. Hogwarts School is being quarantined. All Hogsmeade weekends are cancelled; no visitors are permitted; and staff members are asked remain on school grounds at all times for their safety and the safety of the students. At present none of the students are ill with the disease, and naturally we wish this to remain true. Owls may still be exchanged but letters only, as we feel there is a small chance parcels might spread the disease. (Parcels that have already been sent will still be allowed through.)
I would like to personally appeal to our wizard citizens not to respond to this situation with excessive fear or anxiety. I will stress that St Mungo's has already made a great deal of progress towards finding a cure and we expect these restrictions to be lifted in a very short time. If we work together, willingly give what is asked of us and willingly obey the rules laid down for us, we shall all remain quite safe.
Samuel Morris is a subject in good standing, but is not a pureblood, and while his heritage has not held him back from prowess on the quidditch pitch, it does appear that it has made him more vulnerable to this particular sickness.
Effective immediately, for the protection of halfblood subjects, the following restrictions must be followed.
1. All large public gatherings are cancelled. The quidditch leagues are currently discussing whether to suspend the current season, or to continue but with games broadcast over WWN only; their decision will likely be announced in tomorrow's Prophet.
2. All unnecessary travel between counties is forbidden. Travelling for work and (for children too young to attend Hogwarts) school is still permitted; it is also acceptable to travel to seek the care of a Healer and in the case of a family emergency.
3. Halfbloods are herewith banned from using the floo system for either travel or communication. Portkeys, apparition, and brooms may still be used. An Emergency Portkey Office has been set up and those in need of an official Ministry Portkey may apply for one; forms are available via owl.
4. Hogwarts School is being quarantined. All Hogsmeade weekends are cancelled; no visitors are permitted; and staff members are asked remain on school grounds at all times for their safety and the safety of the students. At present none of the students are ill with the disease, and naturally we wish this to remain true. Owls may still be exchanged but letters only, as we feel there is a small chance parcels might spread the disease. (Parcels that have already been sent will still be allowed through.)
I would like to personally appeal to our wizard citizens not to respond to this situation with excessive fear or anxiety. I will stress that St Mungo's has already made a great deal of progress towards finding a cure and we expect these restrictions to be lifted in a very short time. If we work together, willingly give what is asked of us and willingly obey the rules laid down for us, we shall all remain quite safe.