Hong Kong's Department of Health, Security Bureau and Immigration Department and the Shenzhen Entry-exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau have expressed concerns about the suspected SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) case in Guangzhou and agreed to further strengthen health measures at border check points as well as their notification mechanism.
Following a meeting with the Shenzhen Bureau today (December 31), the Director of Health, Dr Lam Ping-yan, said: "We had an extensive exchange of views on the existing port health measures. In particular, we had in-depth discussions on the enhanced border control measures being implemented to prevent SARS."
He said Hong Kong and Shenzhen had collaborated closely on the implementation of boundary control measures since the first SARS cases were reported early this year. Both sides agreed that heightened vigilance against SARS throughout the winter months was essential. In addition, they agreed to strengthen co-operation so that a prompt response could be made if necessary.
The meeting noted that the Mainland was very concerned about the health of Hong Kong people. It has especially requested tighter controls at all border crossing points, in particular at the crossings to Hong Kong.
In view of the suspected SARS case in Guangzhou, the Department of Health has been closely monitoring developments. Both Hong Kong and Shenzhen have introduced enhanced measures at border control points since December 27, including deploying additional manpower.
Today, the condition of the 32-year-old suspected SARS patient in Guangzhou continued to improve and his temperature remained normal.
The Department of Health is maintaining daily contact with its Guangdong counterparts with a view to obtaining the latest information on the case.
About 500,000 travellers arrived from or departed for the Mainland yesterday. Seven were found to have fever and 63 were reported to be unwell. Among these people, five were referred to hospitals for further examination. However, none of them was thought to have contracted SARS, and only one was admitted for treatment. The condition of this patient is stable.
The Department of Health's SARS hotline - 187 2222 - had received 60 enquiries from December 27 until 12pm today. The hotline will operate from 9am to 5pm tomorrow.
"For safety's sake, recent travellers to Guangdong who have fever or symptoms of respiratory tract infection should consult their doctors at once," a department spokesman said.
"The Department of Health has reminded the Hospital Authority, private hospitals, private doctors and laboratory personnel in Hong Kong to maintain vigilance in infection control and disease reporting.
"We have also sent letters to all Chinese medicine practitioners to advise them to be vigilant.
"Even though Hong Kong has been free from SARS since early June, the public should be on guard and observe good personal hygiene," the spokesman said.
To prevent respiratory tract infections, the following precautions are recommended:
* Maintain good personal hygiene, and wash hands after sneezing, coughing or blowing the nose;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation;
* Consult a doctor promptly if respiratory symptoms develop;
* Put on a mask if suffering from respiratory tract infection to reduce the chance of spreading the infection to others; and build up good bodily immunity by maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.
For further information on SARS, please visit the website: www.info.gov.hk/info/sars/eindex.htm.
Ends/Wednesday, December 31, 2003
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