HONG KONG, PRC SAR: [3,673 cases, 2 deaths, 41 in hospital: 2 serious, 3 in critical, from April 26 to July 31, 2009]

[Giuseppe]

Hong Kong: SFH on swine flu (4/26/2009) [SFH]

Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow and the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection, Dr Thomas Tsang, at a stand-up media session at the lobby of Murray Building, Central today (April 26):


Reporter:
(Travel advice and contingency plan)

Secretary for Food and Health:
The Centre for Health Protection has already issued advice to the public regarding travelling to north America and also Mexico. I think our advice to people is: do not travel to Mexico unless it is absolutely necessary. If you do, you make sure you are well-prepared with all the protection that is required. Regarding the United States, that depends where you are going and what the progress of the spread that is actually in those states or countries. Our advice is unless you need to travel, better not travel to those areas that have outbreaks.

Reporter:
(inaudible)

Controller, Centre for Health Protection:
In response to the swine flu outbreaks overseas, we have immediately stepped up our port health protection measures, specifically, as you know, we have the temperature screening machines at all our checkpoints. If any passenger fails the temperature test, alright, have a fever, he will be interrupted and we will obtain the history whether in the past seven days, he has been to any of these places affected by swine flu. If that history is positive, we will take that patient to the hospital and let him stay there and have a test and until the test result is negative, we won't allow him to get out of the hospital. Secondly, in-bound flights to Hong Kong, especially from places affected by the swine flu outbreaks, we have increased the broadcasting of messages targetting at these passengers, making sure that they know if they have any symptoms, contact us and we need to take them to hospital and provide the test. So, we believe that these measures will enable us to reduce the chance of importation of human swine flu cases. But I hope you understand that scientifically, that can't be a volatile situation, we cannot guarantee one hundred per cent. So, we are taking a vigilant precautionary approach to reduce as much as possible the chance of human case of importation. If there is indeed a case occurring in Hong Kong, we will be taking some actions specifically. First of all, the case himself will be taken to the hospital for isolation and treatment. As you know, we still have medicine, oseltamivir and zanamirvir These are medicine that we believe are effective. Secondly, we would trace all the contacts of this patient as it is an avian flu or SARS patient. We will know their health condition, put them on medical surveillance and quarantine as necessary. And also, we will be reviewing all our control measures regarding contact tracing, hospital infection control. We are already doing some preliminary preparatory work in anticipation of such scenarios happening in Hong Kong.

Reporter:
(New York city)

Controller, Centre for Health Protection:
Now, the criteria we use is if the patient is coming from the affected place by swine influenza. By affected place, I mean places that have already reported or confirmed laboratory swine flu. We are aware certainly of the report from New York concerning a couple of students who have fever and presumably influenza but they are still trying to find out whether it is related to swine flu or not.

Reporter:
(People coming from New York)

Controller, Centre for Health Protection:
I do expect that there will be a lot of these reports coming from different sources, whether official or unofficial. And we will certainly place special attention to these reports.

Reporter:
(Travel advice)

Secretary for Food and Health:
Of course, we will look at the advice to be given by the World Health Organisation regarding their analysis and also the confirmation of the behaviour of this new virus. If this virus is going to be a very effective human-to-human transmission, then of course, I am sure the WHO would issue actually more strict travelling guidelines for every country and in fact all the international community, so including Hong Kong. So, we will have to look at what is going to come out of the analysis. And I believe, at least in the short term, we will see more cases of this swine flu in other parts of north America and occasionally also in the other parts of the world. Our purpose is to ensure that if any imported case comes to Hong Kong, we can identify them early, treat them early, contain it so that it would not actually cause the spread in Hong Kong. This is the primary purpose of the policy that we have decided today.

Reporter:
(Surge capacity)

Secretary for Food and Health:
Most of the beds are actually not used for infectious diseases right now.I am talking about the 1,400 beds. Most of the beds being used are still in the Princess Margaret Hospital which has a designated infectious disease centre. And I think they don't need anything more than 80 to 100 every day. Actually, we have a big surge capacity in that area.

Reporter:
(inaudible)

Secretary for Food and Health:
We have increased the potential use of intensive care and ventilation therapy in Hong Kong after SARS. So, I think all the infectious diseases that I have mentioned that they all have potential capacity to ventilate patients. And on top of that, we can always mobilise other specialties like intensive care unit, anaesthesiology and so on. At this moment, I don't think we are worried about this surge capacity yet. But of course, we are monitoring the situation very closely. According to the reports of the CDC, United States, most of the cases that have the human swine flu this time, are relatively mild. Of course, we do not have sufficient data from Mexico regarding their serious cases and also their mortality. We will ask the WHO to provide more information in that area. (Please also refer to the Chinese session of the transcript.)
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Opening remarks by SFH on human swine flu (4/26/2009) [SFH]

Following is a transcript of opening remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, on human swine flu at a stand-up media session at Murray Building today (April 26):


In view of reports on human swine flu in the United States and the outbreak in Mexico, particularly in Mexico City area, we are very concerned whether this will be the early phase of a pandemic.

That's why we have activated our plan for emergency preparedness for pandemic.

Today we have held the first meeting of the steering committee regarding pandemic preparedness.

We are concerned about the new virus.

We have decided the following:

* We have escalated our level of alert from "alert" to "serious";
* We shall in the next couple of days put the human swine flu onto the list of notifiable disease, so that both public and private doctors have to notify the Department of Health the disease and ensure we have proper handling of those new cases;
* We shall heighten the vigilance at our borders to tackle particularly those people travelling from the infected places. When they come to Hong Kong, we will have health advice and health check, including temperature check, when they land in Hong Kong;
* We shall increase public education and information, including radio and television APIs;
* According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the new virus has a new DNA sequencing. That is why at the moment, we still need two to three days before we can ascertain and confirm the tests of human swine flu. We would like to increase our investigation and try to develop new tests, the PCR fast tests, so that we can have a more efficient system to deal with diagnosis and the surge capacity in case of need.
* We will continue to liaise with the Mainland authorities, the Ministry of Health, WHO and the health authorities of other countries;
* As this is a novel virus, there is no confirmed vaccine developed so far. We also need to keep in view of the development in this area and as soon as we know whether there is an effective vaccine, we will try to consider purchasing it;
* As this virus is not actually affecting pigs directly, and it will not be transmitted through pork, I can assure the public that consumption of pork is not going to lead to any infection. But despite that, we have also increased our vigilance on local farms and slaughterhouses, in order to protect our farmers and slaughter staff.


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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Public hospitals to heighten vigilance for swine influenza (4/26/2009) [HA]

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: In response to the Government's activation of Serious Response Level today (April 26) in view of the swine influenza outbreak in Mexico and some states in the United States of America, the Hospital Authority (HA) has accordingly elevated to Serious Response Level after the urgent meeting of the Central Committee on Infectious Disease & Emergency Response.


The HA spokesman said all frontline staff would be reminded to stay vigilant for swine influenza and all Accident & Emergency Departments and General Outpatient Clinics will have segregation areas to implement triage for fever patients.

Public hospitals will need to report to CHP via the e-Flu system all influenza-like illness patients with relevant travel and contact history (recent travel to affected areas seven days before onset of illness; or contact with patients with swine flu or patient who has febrile respiratory illness and has been to the affected areas during the seven days preceding their illness onset.)

"Patients will be admitted for treatment under isolation and specimens will be sent to the Public Health Laboratory Centre of the Department of Health for testing.

The HA laboratory network system will also be activated by phases."

"Under the current Response Level, hospital visiting hours for acute wards are not more than four hours per day and not more than two visitors at a time, while that for convalescent hospitals are not more than six hours per day."

Public are also reminded of the infection control measures under the Serious Response Level, including the hand hygiene; visitors with respiratory symptoms are required to put on surgical masks in hospitals and clinics.

All staff are reminded to practise standard and droplets precautions.

In case of high-risk procedures, airborne precautions should be practised.

The HA will continue to closely liaise and co-operate with the Centre for Health Protection to keep the general public and professionals posted of the most updated situation and relevant information.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 26) said surveillance measures at boundary control points had been stepped up to detect travellers with fever and respiratory symptoms and coming from places where cases of human infection of Swine Influenza were reported.


The spokesman said airlines had been asked to broadcast health advice messages on all direct flights coming from the affected places.

''Passengers with respiratory symptoms are urged to approach Port Health officers at the Airport for follow-up investigations,'' the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, people traveling to the affected places should take precautionary measures.

These measures include avoiding contact with sick people; avoiding touching one's eyes, nose or mouth; wash hands frequently with soap and water or apply alcohol-based hand cleaners.

They were also advised to bring along surgical masks for use whenever appropriate, the spokesman said.

''People who develop respiratory illness within 7 days after returning from the affected places should put on a surgical mask and seek medical consultation from public clinics and hospitals immediately,'' the spokesman said.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Transcript of CE's remarks (with video) (4/27/2009) [CE]

Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at a media session at the airport upon his return from Hefei, Anhui this morning (April 27):


Reporter:
Can you say a few words about Swine Flu and the preparations for it?

Chief Executive:
We do not know much about this virus, but a few facts are confronting us. First of all, we know this seems to be human transmission. And there are cases established in North America, including United States and Canada, and there are reported cases elsewhere as well. The second fact is Mexico is a popular tourist destination with thousands of tourists going in and out of Mexico on any one day. They include Hong Kong and Mainland tourists. Hong Kong, of course, is a cosmopolitan city. We do not easily close our borders, and it is quite possible people carrying this virus during the hibernation period may come into Hong Kong. So we have to be well prepared for cases appearing in Hong Kong.

Reporter:
What preparations are we making?

Chief Executive:
All these have been detailed by the Secretary (for Food and Health) yesterday, and we are going to regularly report to Hong Kong people how this thing is evolving, particularly various preventive measures we are taking.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Statutory reporting of Human Swine Influenza (4/27/2009) [CHP]

A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 27) said the Government had amended the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599) to include Swine Influenza as one of the statutorily notifiable disease.


The amendment, which has been gazetted and come into effect today, has made Swine Influenza one of the specified diseases for the purpose of border control measures for travelers, the spokesman said.

''Given the recent outbreaks of Human Swine Influenza in Mexico and the United States, we consider that there is a pressing need to strengthen the surveillance of this disease in the community to ensure prompt implementation of effective public health preventive and control measures,'' the spokesman said.

The CHP has sent letters to all medical practitioners to inform them of the legislative amendment and reporting criteria. Forms of notifications are available at Central Notification Office (CENO) On-line, the web-based reporting system of CHP at http://www.chp.gov.hk/ceno.

Doctors may also download the form and report by fax at 2477 2770.

Enquiries about reporting can also be made to CENO at 2477 2772.

Meanwhile, the spokesman reiterated that surveillance measures at boundary control points had been stepped up to detect travellers with fever and respiratory symptoms and coming from places where cases of human infection of Swine Influenza were reported.

The spokesman said airlines had been asked to broadcast health advice messages on all direct flights coming from the affected places.

''Passengers with respiratory symptoms are urged to approach Port Health officers at the Airport for follow-up investigations,'' the spokesman said.

People traveling to the affected places should take precautionary measures.

These measures include avoiding contact with sick people; avoiding touching one's eyes, nose or mouth; wash hands frequently with soap and water or apply alcohol-based hand cleaners.

They were also advised to bring along surgical masks for use whenever appropriate, the spokesman said.

''People who develop respiratory illness within 7 days after returning from the affected places should put on a surgical mask and seek medical consultation from public clinics and hospitals immediately,'' the spokesman said.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: EDB urges schools to strengthen preventive measures against infectious disease (4/27/2009) [EDB]

Representatives of the Education Bureau (EDB) attended an inter-departmental meeting today (April 27)held by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health in view of the swine influenza outbreak in Mexico and some states in the United States of America.


The meeting discussed on effective preventive measures against the possible spread of the disease in Hong Kong.

Subsequent to the meeting, EDB has distributed CHP's letter to all schools on preventive measures against swine fluenza.

CHP's detailed health advice including clinical features of the disease, its mode of transmission and advice on prevention is also disseminated to schools who will be requested to take prompt actions and relay the information to parents for their help in working hand-in-hand against the spread of the disease.

CHP's letter together with its detailed health advice has been uploaded onto EDB's homepage (www.edb.gov.hk) under the "What's New" column.

Key points as follows :

* Schools should watch out for the conditions of young children who are incapable of taking proper personal care. To prevent possible outbreak of influenza, children with fever and respiratory symptoms are strongly advised not to attend school till 48 hours after fever has subsided. Besides, parents should record the body temperature of their children and hand in the temperature record sheet to the school everyday.
* Any students or staff who return from affected place should wear a surgical mask for seven days as a precautionary measure. If they develop influenza-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat and cough, they should consult doctors for medical advice promptly.
* Schools are also advised to report to CHP promptly should they notice an increase in respiratory illnesses or absenteeism among students for immediate epidemiological investigations and outbreak control.


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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Boy with encephalitis symptoms passed away (4/27/2009) [CHP]

A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said a new report involving an eight-year-old boy was received today (April 27) through the paediatric surveillance programme set up by the CHP with private and public hospitals.


Initial enquiries revealed that the boy, who lived in Sai Kung, presented with symptoms of encephalitis including fever, vomiting and convulsion yesterday.

He attended Tseung Kwan O Hospital and subsequently passed away.

The boy had no recent travel history and had shown no signs of respiratory illness or Hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD).

Laboratory tests on the boy's clinical specimen yielded negative result to influence A virus. His family members did not have similar symptoms.

The school where the boy attended had no report of HFMD or influenza outbreak.

The case will be referred to the Coroner's court for investigation.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Situation report on swine influenza (4/27/2009) [CHP]

A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 27) said leaflets with health messages had been distributed at the airport to passengers arriving from places where human cases of swine influenza were reported.


The spokesman said surveillance and preventive measures being put in place at all control points would be under constant review and amended if necessary to keep abreast of the latest developments in the outbreaks of swine influenza A (H1N1) overseas.

The spokesman said no human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) infections had been reported in Hong Kong since 2001.

Since Hong Kong stepped up surveillance of swine influenza on April 25, three patients fulfilling reporting criteria were reported to the CHP, the spokesman said.

"Two of the patients, a 77-year-old woman and her four-year-old granddaughter, tested negative for influenza A at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital early this morning.

"The woman travelled to the United States and Mexico from April 3 to 19. She developed influenza-like symptoms on April 23 and had fever on April 26. Her granddaughter developed respiratory symptoms on April 24. They sought treatment at Eastern hospital last night (April 26). Both of them are in stable condition."

The third patient was a 27-year-old woman who developed symptoms of respiratory infection and fever on April 23 while she was in San Francisco.

The woman returned to Hong Kong on April 24 and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital yesterday.

She is now in stable condition.

Laboratory analysis on a respiratory tract specimen taken from her yielded positive results for human influenza A H3 subtype, which is not swine influenza.

The spokesman said travellers in the affected places should pay attention to announcements made by the local government and follow health guidelines issued.

"People who have returned from the affected places should wear a surgical mask for seven days as a precautionary measure.

"If they present with fever, cough, sore throat or have difficulty breathing, they should seek medical attention immediately. They should also inform their doctors about their travel history.

"People should not travel when they are sick and should limit contact with others to prevent the possible spread of infectious diseases," the spokesman said.

The spokesman reminded members of the public to strictly observe the following measures to prevention infection:

* Keep hands clean and wash hands properly. Alcohol-based hand rub is also effective when hands are not visibly soiled;
* Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth;
* Wash hands with liquid soap promptly if they are contaminated by respiratory tract secretions, e.g. after sneezing or coughing;
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharges properly;
* Always wrap nasal and mouth discharges with tissue paper, and dispose of the tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin;
* Wear a surgical mask when symptoms of respiratory tract infection or fever develop. Seek medical advice promptly;
* Refrain from going to work or school if you develop symptoms of influenza.


A daily update on swine influenza in humans is now available on the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk).
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[drjagathv]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Opening remarks by SFH on human swine flu (4/26/2009) [SFH]

Following is a transcript of opening remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, on human swine flu at a stand-up media session at Murray Building today (April 26):


In view of reports on human swine flu in the United States and the outbreak in Mexico, particularly in Mexico City area, we are very concerned whether this will be the early phase of a pandemic.

That's why we have activated our plan for emergency preparedness for pandemic.

Today we have held the first meeting of the steering committee regarding pandemic preparedness.

We are concerned about the new virus.

We have decided the following:

* We have escalated our level of alert from "alert" to "serious";
* We shall in the next couple of days put the human swine flu onto the list of notifiable disease, so that both public and private doctors have to notify the Department of Health the disease and ensure we have proper handling of those new cases;
* We shall heighten the vigilance at our borders to tackle particularly those people travelling from the infected places. When they come to Hong Kong, we will have health advice and health check, including temperature check, when they land in Hong Kong;
* We shall increase public education and information, including radio and television APIs;
* According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the new virus has a new DNA sequencing. That is why at the moment, we still need two to three days before we can ascertain and confirm the tests of human swine flu. We would like to increase our investigation and try to develop new tests, the PCR fast tests, so that we can have a more efficient system to deal with diagnosis and the surge capacity in case of need.
* We will continue to liaise with the Mainland authorities, the Ministry of Health, WHO and the health authorities of other countries;
* As this is a novel virus, there is no confirmed vaccine developed so far. We also need to keep in view of the development in this area and as soon as we know whether there is an effective vaccine, we will try to consider purchasing it;
* As this virus is not actually affecting pigs directly, and it will not be transmitted through pork, I can assure the public that consumption of pork is not going to lead to any infection. But despite that, we have also increased our vigilance on local farms and slaughterhouses, in order to protect our farmers and slaughter staff.


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Dear Sir / Madam

There are no reports of suspected Swine Flue infections in Sri Lanka; however it is prudent to adopt precautionary measures all over the world as there is a risk of spreading this infection to Asian countries. Sri Lankan health authorities have taken measures to detect and prevent spreading of Swine flu virus. Following article published in the Lankapage is one of the articles which we found related to this infection. Here we have quoted this article for your information please. http://www.colombopage.com/archive_09/April27152746RA.html

Kind Regards

Dr V W Jagath Vasanthathilaka.
Consultant Rheumatologist.
General Hospital Kandy
Sri Lanka.




http://www.colombopage.com/archive_09/April27152746RA.html


* Sri Lanka on alert over the Mexican swine flu
Monday, April 27, 2009, 15:27 GMT, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Apr 27, Colombo: Sri Lanka Health officials have taken measures to prevent a possible spreading of a viral fever, originated in Mexico and spread to US, Canada and some European countries.

Health minister Nimal Sripala De Silva said that the Health Ministry is on attention over the possible entry of this swine flu virus into the country.

The viral strain has killed 103 people in Mexico and infected several people in the United States and Canada.

The Ministry has deployed a few specialists at the Colombo Harbour and the Katunayake International Airport to spot the infected individuals entering into the country.

The Health Ministry warns the people who wish to travel to Mexico and other countries where the virus was reported, to pay more attention to symptoms.

Mexico's government has cautioned its people not to shake hands or to share food, glasses or cutlery for fear of infection.

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease that infects pigs and does not normally infect humans. Humans can occasionally catch the flu from pigs but rarely pass it on to other people.

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: SWD urges welfare service units to guard against swine flu (4/27/2009) [SWD]

The Social Welfare Department (SWD) today (April 27) reminded social welfare service units of the department and non-governmental organisations to guard against human swine flu.


A spokesman for the department said, "We have made arrangements to issue to residential institutions , day centres providing training and care as well as other social welfare service units an advisory letter and a factsheet on human swine flu from the Centre for Health Protection (CHP)."

"Staff of the social welfare service units are advised to be vigilant against swine flu. They should also refer to the Guidelines on the Prevention of the Spreading of Influenza to maintain personal and environmental hygiene, step up cleanliness and precautionary measures, and draw up their own contingency measures pertinent to their setting."

Anyone who has developed influenza-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat and cough should consult doctor for medical advice promptly.

If there is an increase in respiratory illnesses or absenteeism among service users or staff, the social welfare service units should report to CHP for immediate epidemiological investigations and outbreak control.

"We will closely monitor the situation and work closely with CHP to render help to social welfare service units in implementing preventive measures against human swine influenza," the spokesman added.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Employers, employees advised to take swine flu precautionary measures (4/28/2009)

The Labour Department has advised employers and employees to take precautionary measures for the prevention of swine influenza.


A spokesman for the Labour Department said today (April 28) it was of the utmost importance that employers and employees should continue to be vigilant in guarding against the risk of human swine flu at workplaces, as a healthy and safe workplace was in both their interests.

The spokesman reminded the public, particularly employers and employees, to take appropriate precautions.

People are advised to take the following measures:

* maintain good ventilation at the workplace, such as well-maintained air-conditioning system, or open as many windows as possible for better ventilation;
* disinfect commonly-used equipment with diluted solution of household bleach (1 part bleach: 99 parts water) when necessary;
* keep the workplace, particularly the floor, carpets, doors, windows and ventilation systems, clean;
* ensure toilet facilities are properly maintained; and
* provide liquid soap, disposable towels and a hand-dryer in toilets.


To enhance personal hygiene, employees are advised to:

* keep hands clean and wash hands properly. Alcohol-based handrub is also effective when hands are not visibly soiled;
* avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth;
* wash hands with liquid soap promptly if they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing or coughing;
* cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing;
* no spitting. Always wrap nasal and mouth discharges with tissue paper, and dispose of the tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin;
* wear mask when symptoms of respiratory tract infection or fever develop. Seek medical advice promptly; and
* refrain from work if develop symptoms of influenza.


Employers are advised to:

* ensure that the workplace is kept clean and hygienic;
* provide adequate and proper face masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment when necessary. Ensure that the workers are using such personal protective equipment properly;
* communicate the relevant health advice and guidelines to employees;
* remind staff of the importance of good personal hygiene;
* remind employees to consult a doctor in case of fever or cough, and not to go to work in case of fever or as advised by the doctor; and
* develop contingency plans for keeping the workforce safe and secure as far as practicable.


For further information on swine flu, please call the 24-Hour Health Education Hotline of the Department of Health on 2833 0111 or visit the Centre of Health Protection's website www.chp.gov.hk . For information on influenza preparedness, please refer to the "What employers/enterprises should know about influenza preparedness" published by the Centre for Health Protection.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Opening remarks by SFH on human swine flu (with photo/video) (4/28/2009)

Following is a transcript of opening remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, on human swine flu at a stand-up media session at the Centre for Health Protection today (April 28):


The steering committee on preparedness for pandemic has met today.I have also met with the experts from the Scientific Committee of the Centre for Health Protection. It is important to note that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised the alert level from phase 3 to phase 4, which signifies that a pandemic is imminent and there is a possibility that we need to increase our surveillance and protection.

I also communicated with the Director-General of WHO yesterday to understand the direction and what WHO will be doing. We noticed that WHO will not be imposing any travel restriction on any country and considers that mitigation of the pandemic is actually more important.

However, we feel that since Hong Kong is such a widely travelled city, we advise people, particularly those going to the infected places, to be very careful and particularly not to travel to Mexico and Mexico City unless absolutely necessary.

If you have friends, visitors or family members who will be coming to Hong Kong from Mexico and affected areas, we advise them not to travel if they are sick.

If they do come back to Hong Kong, they should try to inform the health authorities so that in case they have any symptoms, they can easily be treated and looked after. It is important that we should also increase the information of our visitors coming from everywhere, including the airport, so we are going to impose health declaration starting from later this week.

Apart from that, the Education Bureau has already sent letters to all secondary and primary schools as well as kindergartens, urging them to increase the hygiene of schools, step up surveillance of their students, inform the parents to increase vigilance on personal hygiene, and report to the authorities any cases of suspected swine flu.

We will also meet with the 18 District Council chairmen and try to mobilise the district committees on healthy and safe city so that they can help out in public education and activities to heighten the vigilance on regional hygiene. We have discussed various scenarios that may happen to Hong Kong, particularly in case there is a first case coming here, or possible spread after the first case, the Hospital Authority and the various departments are preparing all the contingency plans for that.

We are making preparation for the worst scenario, although we hope that it will not happen, but still I think we need to have a very comprehensive preparation for such possibilities.

I would like to appeal to the public that since Hong Kong is such a densely populated city and widely travelled international city, it is our responsibility to ensure that we should minimise the impact of this possible pandemic.

This is not just the Government's responsibility.

We appeal to the public, the community, schools, industries and various trades and sectors to come up to help as well.

It is also important for each member of the community and the families to ensure that they are doing their best to keep their personal hygiene and the environment clean and healthy.

This is very important for everybody.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Situation report on swine influenza (4/28/2009) [CHP]

A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said health authorities of the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao convened a teleconference this morning (April 28) to exchange information on the latest development of human swine influenza as well as to review the need to strengthen surveillance and preventive and control measures.


Meanwhile, leaflets with health messages had been distributed at the airport to passengers from places where human cases of swine influenza were reported. The spokesman said no human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) infections had been reported in Hong Kong since 2001.

In the 24 hours to 1pm today, four patients fulfilling reporting criteria were reported to the CHP, the spokesman said.


The first one was a 27-year-old woman. She returned to Hong Kong from Vancouver on April 24 and developed symptoms of respiratory infection on the same day. She consulted a private medical practitioner and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) on April 27. She is now in stable condition.

The second patient was a 52-year-old man who stayed in the United States (New York) from April 18 to 24. He returned to Hong Kong on April 24 and developed symptoms of subjective fever, cough and headache on April 25. He was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in stable condition.

The third one is a 35-year-old-man who returned to Hong Kong from the United States (New York) on April 27.He developed fever, running nose, sore throat and cough on the same day. He was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre in stable condition.

The last patient, aged 32, returned from New York on April 27. He developed influenza like symptoms since April 13. He was admitted to the PMH in stable condition.

Laboratory results of the specimens taken from the four patients are still pending.


The spokesman advised travellers in the affected places should pay attention to announcements made by the local government and follow health guidelines issued.

"People who have returned from the affected places should wear a surgical mask for seven days as a precautionary measure.

"If they present with fever, cough, sore throat or have difficulty breathing, they should seek medical attention immediately. They should also inform their doctors about their travel history.

"People should not travel when they are sick and should limit contact with others to prevent the possible spread of infectious diseases," the spokesman said.

The spokesman reminded members of the public to strictly observe the following measures to prevention infection:

* Keep hands clean and wash hands properly. Alcohol-based hand rub is also effective when hands are not visibly soiled;
* Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth;
* Wash hands with liquid soap promptly if they are contaminated by respiratory tract secretions, e.g. after sneezing or coughing;
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharges properly;
* Always wrap nasal and mouth discharges with tissue paper, and dispose of the tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin;
* Wear a surgical mask when symptoms of respiratory tract infection or fever develop. Seek medical advice promptly;
* Refrain from going to work or school if you develop symptoms of influenza.


A daily update on swine influenza in humans is now available on the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk).
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: SFH on swine flu (4/28/2009)

Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, and the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection, Dr Thomas Tsang, at a stand-up media session at the Centre for Health Protection today(April 28):


Reporter:
(ask the public to wear masks)

Secretary for Food and Health:
I am sure now with the widespread of the possible suspected cases, there will be more reported cases in different countries and not just the countries that you have just mentioned. So, we are monitoring very closely the situation being developing in other places if there are outbreaks of significant kind in certain countries, in certain cities, then of course, we will impose other travel advice regarding those places. Regarding the protection for our staff, particularly in the Hospital Authority and various departments, in the meeting this morning, we have actually checked that we have sufficient protective gears in Hong Kong including masks for our departments and working staff. So, we are not worried about the supply of those articles at the moment. It is important that we are monitoring the utilisation of them and replenishing them if necessary.

Reporter:
Australia's inbound flight procedure to ask airlines to check the health status of their passengers before landing, will Hong Kong adopt such procedure?

Secretary for Food and Health:
Absolutely not. I think, of course, we always gain and learn from experiences. The important part of our measures is, even during previous times we already have a very vigilant way of testing patients, and actually passengers who have fever. As thermal screening is concerned, Hong Kong is very experienced with it. We have already asked all airlines to announce the public health messages to all the flights. So when they come to Hong Kong, they actually know what they are expecting. They are also advised to inform us if they are sick. And on top of that as I've said earlier on, within this week we will impose, say, health declaration requirement for all the passengers, so with that we will be able to trace any possible passengers who are sick and their accompanying passengers on the same flight as soon as possible. To all these measures, it is aimed to identify the first case and also the contacts related to the first case.

Reporter:
(inaudible)

Secretary for Food and Health:
I would ask Professor Yuen to answer this question regarding the nature of this new virus. But we are also testing for existing viruses existing in our local pigs in our farms as well as those we slaughter everyday in our abattoir coming from China. So, we are screening for any H1 virus in those pigs as well. So far we have not found any. Regarding the specific situation of the virus, perhaps I would ask Professor Yuen to answer.

Prof Yuen Kwok-yung:
At this stage in time, the information is available in the gene bank. So we have downloaded the gene sequences of this swine-like virus H1N1 from the gene bank and do some analyses. It is quite clear that it is not really a swine virus. It has already been assorted and adapted to human. People still have some degree of argument on whether it is a swine virus or a swine-like virus that infected human. Although we have said it is swine flu, it is because there are a lot of genes, especially the surface genes, which are basically swine genes. There are internal genes which are human and also there are some poultry-like. In a way, they are using the word swine virus, maybe there are points for arguments. Although the surface gene is swine and that is why everybody says it is swine flu virus. As for the safety of the pigs in terms of consumption, in the past three days we have fished out all the surveillance specimens in 2007 and 2008 pig specimens which are from Hong Kong going to the abattoir before they are slaughtered, nasal smear swabs were taken from these pigs and we had done PCR on them. We did not find any inference of virus in these pigs. I think, with regards to inference of virus, the pigs in Hong Kong are very safe. So, don't worry, the chance of you dying from streptococcus suis is much, much, much higher than dying from swine-like virus. Okay, swine-like flu virus.

Reporter:
What happens to the 27-year-old woman?

Controller of the Centre for Health Protection:
We have started testing and surveillance of patients who came back from these affected areas and developing respiratory symptoms and fever. We have that system in place. Since it has started, we have a total of seven patients undergoing testing in hospital. Three of which I announced yesterday are negative for swine flu. One patient had ordinary human influenza. On top of those three I mentioned, today we have four other patients who fulfilled the criteria I have just mentioned. They are being tested in hospital. Hopefully we can rule out their illness being swine flu in the next 24 to 48 hours. So, these are patients that have fulfilled the reporting criteria, meaning that they have developed fever and respiratory symptoms after travelling to affected places.

Reporters:
(Public have difficulties to obtain masks)

Secretary for Food and Health:
I think people should not panic about not able to get masks because we are not at the pandemic phase yet. We are only doing preparation. I know a lot of people having stocked up masks at home. I think it is important at this point in time that if needed, they need to share with their family members and friends. The Government has sufficient supply; in case of need, we can always mobilise supply in the areas where we need to provide such protective gears. We should not panic about this. We are making all sorts of comprehensive preparation for the pandemic but it is important for the public that they need to be rational, they need to be calm, and they need to keep track of the information that the Government is going to give them.

Reporter:
(keep track of people)

Secretary for Food and Health:
No, we could not keep track of people who have no symptoms. We only ask people to make health declaration so that we have their forms. We have also given out appeal and health advice to all people when they develop symptoms they should report to their doctors as soon as possible or come to our clinics or hospitals so that we can pick them up, investigate and also isolate them and treat them right away. So, this is the objective of our policy right now.

(Please also refer to the Chinese session of the transcript)
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Situation report on swine influenza (4/29/2009) [CHP]

A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said that in the 24 hours to 12 noon today (April 29), the CHP did not receive any reports of patients fulfilling human swine influenza A (H1N1) reporting criteria.


As for the seven patients fulfilling the reporting criteria reported earlier to the CHP, five of them have tested negative for swine flu, the spokesman said.


Specimens taken from the remaining two patients yielded positive results for human influenza A H3 subtype and human influenza A H1 subtype respectively, he added.

The spokesman strongly advised residents to avoid all non-essential travel to human swine flu affected areas, particularly Mexico.

"Travellers in the affected places should pay attention to announcements made by the local government and follow the health guidelines issued.

"People who have returned from the affected places should wear a surgical mask for seven days as a precautionary measure.

"If they present with fever, cough, sore throat or have difficulty breathing, they should seek medical attention immediately. They should also inform their doctors about their travel history."

He reminded the public to strictly observe the following measures to prevention infection:

*Keep hands clean and wash hands properly. Alcohol-based hand rub is also effective when hands are not visibly soiled;
*Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth;
*Wash hands with liquid soap promptly if they are contaminated by respiratory tract secretions, e.g. after sneezing or coughing;
*Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharges properly;
*Always wrap nasal and mouth discharges with tissue paper, and dispose of the tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin;
*Wear a surgical mask when symptoms of respiratory tract infection or fever develop. Seek medical advice promptly;
*Refrain from going to work or school if you develop symptoms of influenza.


A daily update on swine influenza in humans is now available on the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk).
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: CHP set up hotline for travelers returning from areas affected by swine flu (4/29/2009) [CHP]

A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 29) said a hotline will be set up to facilitate enquiries from people who developed flu-like symptoms and had travelled to human swine-flu affected areas during the 7-day period before onset of symptoms.


The spokesman said people who meet the above criteria were urged to call the hotline 2125 1111 to facilitate follow up arrangements by the health authority.

The hotline will start operation at 9am tomorrow.

It will be manned by public health officers on a 24-hour basis.

''People who presented with fever, cough, sore throat or have difficulty in breathing and had travelled to the affected areas during the 7-day period before onset of symptoms, they should call the hotline immediately.

''Public health officers will assess their condition and arrange follow up as appropriate,'' the spokesman said.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Welfare service units urged to step up precautionary measures against flu (1/5/09)

The Social Welfare Department (SWD) today (May 1) urged welfare service units to step up precautionary measures in the wake of the first confirmed case of human swine influenza in Hong Kong.


"Welfare service units should step up precautionary measures immediately with reference to the latest guidelines issued by SWD on the prevention of the spreading of influenza as well as the health advice issued by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP)," a spokesman for the department said.

"All these units, including residential care homes for the elderly and for persons with disabilities, should thoroughly cleanse and disinfect their premises immediately."

"In addition, objects and equipment frequently touched by staff and service users should be cleansed and disinfected regularly.

"We hope that they can make the best use of the $10 million grant - $3,000 for each service unit - specially made available to them for this purpose," he added.

Parents of young children should record their body temperature daily before sending them back to day care centres.


Anyone who has developed influenza-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat and cough should consult a doctor for medical advice promptly.


To prevent possible outbreak of influenza, all persons, including staff and service users, with fever and respiratory symptoms are strongly advised to avoid attending the welfare service units till 48 hours after fever has subsided.

For service users of residential care homes who are found to have the symptoms, they should be promptly isolated till 48 hours after fever has subsided.

Any welfare service unit which notices an increase in respiratory illnesses or absenteeism among staff or service users must report to CHP (Tel: 2477 2772; Fax: 2477 2770) for immediate epidemiological investigations and outbreak control.

For the latest information, please see the Daily Update on human swine influenza at the CHP website (http://www.chp.gov.hk).
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Hospital Authority activates Emergency Response Level (5/1/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The Hospital Authority (HA) announced that upon the confirmation of a local human case of swine influenza by the Centre for Health Protection today (May 1), a series of enhanced measures for infection control will be implemented with the activation of Emergency Response Level in public hospitals.


At the same time, the HA Chief Executive Mr Shane Solomon, will activate the Central Command Committee to closely monitor the situation and latest development.

The HA Board will also call an Emergency Executive Committee meeting to review the situation and discuss policy issues at the Board level.

The 25-year-old Mexican man with confirmed diagnosis of swine influenza was transferred from Ruttonjee Hospital to the HA Infectious Disease Centre in Princess Margaret Hospital tonight for isolation treatment.


His clinical condition is stable.


Following an urgent meeting of the HA Central Committee on Infectious Diseases & Emergency Responses tonight, a series of enhanced infection control measures were endorsed for immediate implementation.

The HA spokesman said the electronic reporting system has been in place to enhance the surveillance and reporting mechanism, in collaboration with the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), for suspected as well as confirmed cases.

Furthermore, segregation areas for high risk patients at Accident & Emergency Departments and general out-patient clinics would be set up.

All patients would be triaged promptly and assessed for the risk of infection control.

''Visitors to public hospitals and clinics are now required to put on surgical masks and perform hand hygiene before and after visiting patient areas. Volunteer services in public hospitals will be suspended.''

''More stringent infection control measures are now enforced in public hospitals, which include no visiting at isolation wards. For general acute hospitals, visiting hour is limited to not more than two hours a day and two persons at a time; for infirmary/convalescent hospitals, it is limited to not more than four hours a day and two persons at a time.''

To enhance the laboratory support for conducting tests for symptomatic patients, the laboratory network at five hospitals, Princess Margaret Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital, Queen Mary Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Tuen Mun Hospital, were activated to provide 24-hour service.

They will be working closely with the Public Health Laboratory Centre under Department of Health to meet service demand. The general public are reminded to look out for the regular update announced by the HA and CHP.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: SFH on human swine flu (5/1/09)

Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, at a press conference last night (May 1):



Secretary for Food and Health:
Today Hong Kong has confirmed the first imported case of human swine flu, which is recently labelled by the WHO as flu A (H1N1).

• A Mexican traveller, aged 25, came to Hong Kong on flight MU505, arriving at Hong Kong at 12.49pm yesterday from Shanghai.
• In Shanghai, he was only a transit passenger.
• He originally travelled from Mexico.
• The seat number he occupied is 23A.
• He took a taxi, together with other two passengers, and checked into Wan Chai Metro Park Hotel at around 2pm.
• The hotel room number is on the eleventh floor, the room number is 1103.
• Apparently, he did not leave the hotel because he was feeling sick.
• So at around 7pm, he wanted to go the hospital, and he arrived at the Ruttonjee Hospital at 8pm.
  
• The doctors checked him and labelled him as a suspected case of swine flu.
• The first test on flu test did not turn out to be positive. But with the specimen sent to the Department of Health this morning, it was discovered that through the rapid test that is recently developed by the Department of Health, that he is likely to have contracted the human swine flu. We have also sent the specimen to the laboratory to the Hong Kong University, which confirmed this is a human swine flu at 8pm this evening.
• Just now the Chief Executive has chaired the Emergency Response Level Steering Committee.
  
• And after discussion, we announced we are entering the emergency level of the pandemic plan.
  
• We have also exercised the authority by the Department of Health, using Cap 599 with the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance, so that we will first isolate the hotel, and we use the same ordinance to ensure that the relevant people would be quarantined for seven days.
• We will also prescribe Tamiflu for them, which is proven to be effective prophylactic for this disease.
• We would like to appeal to the residents of this hotel, if they are not at the hotel right now, please contact the Centre for Health Protection, the telephone number is 2125 1111 so that we can actually look after them, and also give the relevant medicine to them.
• We are also tracing the people who travelled or the taxi drivers who took these patients from the airport to the hotel and also from the hotel to the hospital.
• We are also tracing the passengers, who are in same flight with this patient.
  
• We are tracing particularly the three rows in front and three rows behind, that is from row 20 to 26 of MU 505.
  
• We prepare to have them sent to the hospital for inspection and also for quarantine.
• We would ask the other passengers and the crew to reach us through the hotline so that we can have a health check on them.
  
• With this, I hope that we can minimise the spread of this possible virus in our community. We have also decided on a few other things.
• So within a day or two, the land border entrance will also require health declaration for everyone who is entering Hong Kong.
  
• We have also contacted the WHO, the Ministry of Health, and also the Health Bureau of Shanghai Municipality, and we have also informed the Consul General of Mexico regarding this particular case.
• We appeal to everyone, everyone in Hong Kong, particularly the public transport companies, the Housing Authority, Housing Society, any of the private premises, and all citizens, to protect themselves and make sure they are living in a clean environment and also looking after their personal health.
  
• We appeal to everyone not to travel when you are feeling unwell.
  
• And particularly, if you are travelling, please also acquire medical insurance because we cannot guarantee that you will be looked after when you are elsewhere.
• Since this is the first case in Hong Kong, we must be very careful, as the chance of controlling and containing this infection is limited.
• We try to be more draconian in our policy.
• We still do not know how damaging or how virulent this virus would be. And we would not like this to spread to the community, and we would also not like this to spread outside Hong Kong either.
• And that is the reason why we are adopting such a policy right now.
• As we have confirmed the case at 8 this evening, we made this decision within half an hour, so that we can act quickly.
• We shall also organise Lady MacLehose Holiday Village and also Lei Yue Mun Park and Holiday Village, which will be ready by tomorrow so that we can use them as quarantine centre.
  
• I would like to talk to the residents of the Metro Park Hotel through the electronic media.
• If you are watching or listening, I hope you understand that we all care for your health and also the possibility of spreading the swine flu with your family, your friends and also the residents of the hotel.
• That is the reason why we would like to look after you carefully but of course it caused inconvenience to you.
• However if you cooperate and if you can look after yourself well, I am sure you will not catch the virus and stay healthy. So I hope you can cooperate with our health inspectors, our health officials.
• We shall try to give as much support to you as possible so that you can maintain healthy for the next seven days.

Reporter:
What kinds of restrictions do you have inside the hotel? Are they allowed to go to the gym? Are they allowed to go to restaurants? Are they basically confined in the room? Also, how many people are there in the hotel?

Secretary for Food and Health:
This patient travelled with two other companions. I am not sure whether they stay in the same room or not because they are close contacts. He also met another local friend. So, in other words, we have identified three close contacts and all these three close contacts are now actually being quarantined in the Princess Margaret Hospital. Regarding the restrictions in the hotel, I leave it to the Director of Health to answer. Basically, I think we would not like them to get in contact with anyone outside the hotel and whether they can move freely or with some restrictions, I will leave it to the Director. But the principle is to try to minimise contacts with anybody. So, we hope that even though they are staying in their hotel rooms, they need to find some way of passing the next seven days. We shall look after all the essential needs that they require.

Director of Health, Dr Lam Ping-yan:
Actually, what we are now doing is that I have just served an order for the hotel to be isolated, meaning that nobody can enter or leave the hotel without permission from a health officer. What we are now doing is we will be serving individual residents of the hotel an order to be quarantined. They are placed under medical quarantine. Hotel staff are also put under quarantine. Concurrently, we have asked the assistance of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to undertake disinfection of the environment of the hotel, common utility areas and also toilets and so on so that the chances of contamination in the common areas would be probably sanitised. We will strongly advise them to maintain very stringent personal hygiene such as frequent use of alcohol rub and so on. If they have symptoms, they are required to report to us immediately so that we can attend to them and send them to hospital for treatment if necessary.

Secretary for Food and Health:
Let me add a bit more. We will set up a help desk in the hotel with health officials and other department officials including Home Affairs Department staff to look after their needs. We are mobilising our clinical psychologists to go to the hotel in case they need any counseling or any particular support. We shall have all the essential facilities and also the materials as required. Particularly, all the health care workers will be looking after them if they have any symptoms. We shall look at them everyday and see whether they develop any symptoms. If they do, then we have to move them to hospital for further isolation.

Reporter:
How many hotel guests have actually checked out of the hotel during this period of time? What about the family members of the staff who work there?

Secretary for Food and Health:
The quarantine will involve all the hotel guests. We do not have exact number. We know there are 173 rooms. We are collecting the exact name and the list right now. We expect there will be about 200 residents in the hotel. As far as staff is concerned, we are also told by the hotel management that there are about 100 staff.

Reporter:
What about family members? Are you keeping a close eye on the family members as well?

Secretary for Food and Health:
We do not have the details at the moment but our staff from the Department of Health is actually doing a collection of data down there right now.

Director of Health:
I think you are worried about the family members of the staff. The staff, as I can understand, contacts of contacts are not considered at risk. If anyone of those staff who develop symptoms, and probably we need to trace their family members as well. But if they are not symptomatic, just contacts with the index case, then contacts of contacts are not considered at risk.

Reporter:
Why takes such a long time to make this announcement?

Secretary for Food and Health:
As you know that, we cannot take action unless we have a confirmed case. As I have said earlier on, since our quick test from both the Department of Health and also the University of Hong Kong, we only develop a new test, so we must be very careful about what decisions we undertake. At the present time, we have already alerted the Chief Executive and also the members of the Steering Committee. That is why we actually met earlier than our confirmed time so that we can make a quick decision once that is confirmed.

Reporter:
What about the staff who were not on duty at the time you quarantine but had been on duty for the past 24 hours? Are you asking them to call the hotline? If they do, are you going to ask them to move in the hotel as well and stay there for the next seven days?

Director of Health:
For those who have not been in contact with the hotel since their arrival of this patient, probably they do not need to be quarantined. But of course, if they have any problems or questions, they should feel free to call our hotline or even call the hotel. We have staff stationed there to answer their questions.

Reporter:
(inaudible)

Secretary for Food and Health:
The hotel has about 200 residents and about 100 staff, so they may not have enough rooms for us to accommodate all staff in the hotel. So, the next step will be after the initial investigations, some of the staff will be handed to one of these holiday camps for quarantine.

Reporter:
(Ruttonjee Hospital)

Chief Executive of Hospital Authority, Mr Shane Soloman:
When the patient arrived in the emergency department, he was immediately triaged into the isolation area which has all the proper gowning and then the patient was admitted to the isolation ward. I have also spoken to the chief executive of the hospital to make sure all of the staff involved were in the necessary protective gears where they work.

(Please also refer to the Chinese session of the transcript.)
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