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During the Lunar New Year, there will be many visitors coming to Hong Kong, and local residents going abroad to enjoy their holidays.
To safeguard your health and the health of others, a spokesman of the Department of Health (DH) today (January 19) advised travellers to pay attention to the following measures before, during and after their trips:
* People who feel unwell, have a fever or have been in close contact with suspected or confirmed Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) patients during the last 10 days are advised not to travel.
* Cooperate with the health authorities and comply with all immigration procedures and health checks.
* If you feel unwell, especially with a fever, inform hotel staff and your tour leader. Arrange medical treatment at once.
* If you have symptoms of an infection within 14 days of the trip, consult a doctor and provide details of your recent travel.
To prevent contracting respiratory tract infections, observe good personal and environmental hygiene at all times. In particular, take the following precautions:
* Keep hands clean, wash hands frequently with liquid soap, especially before eating and touching the nose, mouth and eyes. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Put soiled tissues into a rubbish bin with a lid and then wash hands thoroughly.
* Avoid contact with live poultry or birds. Wash hands immediately after handling them.
* If hand-washing facilities are not available, wash hands with a disinfectant containing 65% to 95% alcohol.
* Avoid visiting crowded or poorly ventilated places.
* If you develop symptoms of a respiratory tract infection such as a fever or cough, wear a mask and seek medical advice promptly. Remember to provide details of your recent travel.
Local residents who encounter difficulties at the immigration counter on quarantine grounds while overseas can call the DH's Port Health 24-hour hotline (852) 8103 1717 or the Immigration Department's 24-hour hotline (852) 2829 3010.
For more information, the public can call DH's 24-hour pre-recorded health education hotline 2833 0111 or SARS hotline 187 2222 during office hours, or visit the DH's website at www.dh.gov.hk.
Ends/Monday, January 19, 2004
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