Tijuanans with free time flood to cross border

SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE

Originally published 10:27 a.m. May 4, 2009, updated 12:47 p.m., May 4, 2009

People waiting to cross into the United States at the San Ysidro port of entry encountered unusually long lines Monday morning, pushing wait times up to three hours.

Many people in Tijuana had the day off Monday as schools and some businesses remained closed as the federal government tried to reduce the spread of the H1N1 flu that has led to at least 2,500 suspected cases and 101 confirmed deaths in the country.

The Baja California government has confirmed 11 cases of the flu in the state.

Many Tijuanans may have decided to cross the border to shop or engage in other recreational activity.

Local traffic reports estimated that around 400 vehicles were waiting to cross per lane, and approximately 900 people were waiting in the pedestrian lanes. The lines of cars stretched to Second Street in downtown, a volume of traffic that usually occurs around the Christmas holiday shopping.

The government asked last week that only essential businesses and government agencies remain open, including public safety and fire departments, medical facilities, airport, the port, supermarkets, pharmacies and banks. The non-essential businesses could re-open Wednesday, according to the government. However, many businesses have stayed open, including restaurants, hotels and coffee shops.

Vincent Bond, a spokesman for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said inspectors were doing routine screenings Monday morning.

“We aren't doing anything differently,â€