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The Social Welfare Department is closely monitoring all welfare service units of the department and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to prevent the resurgence of SARS outbreaks, a spokesman for the department said today (January 5).
The department has stepped up information exchange among relevant parties to enable early detection of infectious disease, timely notification and prompt action to combat any outbreak.
Updated guidelines and reminders on measures to prevent the spread of infectious disease have been issued to welfare service units and posted on the department's homepage for access by the public.
Guidelines and relevant documents have also been issued to frontline staff of the department and operators of subvented NGOs, residential care homes for the elderly, child care centres and sheltered workshops.
The spokesman said visits to the units had been stepped up to show concern and support, and to monitor adherence to infection-control measures.
"We will continue to work closely with the Department of Health and Hospital Authority to identify early any suspected SARS cases and take appropriate follow-up action," he said.
The department will also provide emotional support and counselling through clinical psychologists, social workers and hotline services to those in need.
Information on the various forms of welfare assistance has been disseminated through various channels. Details are also available at the department's homepage at www.info.gov.hk/swd or through the hotline at 2343 2255.
Ends/Monday, January 5, 2004
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