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Mainland and Hong Kong health authorities have agreed to enhance information exchange on SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) related issues following a meeting this (April 28) afternoon at the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Beijing.
Speaking after the meeting, the Permanent Secretary for the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau, Mrs Carrie Yau, said officials of the MoH had provided the HK side with the latest development of the Beijing and Anhui SARS cases as well as action being taken to control the spread of the disease into the community.
The HK side updated MoH officials on the preparation and preventive measures being taken in Hong Kong, she added.
"With the 'Labour Day Golden Week' just a few days away, both Mainland and Hong Kong authorities are very much concerned about the high volume of travellers crossing the boundary.
"We have agreed to do the best we can to prevent the infectious disease from getting into Hong Kong," she said.
Accompanying Mrs Yau on the visit were the Controller, Centre for Health Protection, Dr Leung Pak-yin, and Department of Health Consultant in charge of Pathology Service, Dr Wilina Lim.
On the exchange with MoH officials, Dr Leung said the exchange was useful, giving both sides a better understanding of the other's work in relation to the prevention and control of the disease.
"The meeting provides us with first hand information on the recent outbreak in Beijing and Anhui, including the work of their laboratory management.
"We understand from the Ministry that the Mainland authorities have also strengthened health check measures on travellers at provincial checkpoints," he said.
In preparation for the large volume of Mainland travellers during the Labour Day Golden Week, Dr Leung said arrangements had been agreed with the Hospital Authority in the handling of passengers detected with high fever and other symptoms related to SARS at the boundary checkpoints.
Earlier in the day, Mrs Yau led a delegation to meet with officials from the Ministry of Commerce and the State General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine on matters relating to hygiene requirements for poultry and meat for export to Hong Kong.
Officials in the delegation included the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Mr Gregory Leung, Deputy Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Mr Eddy Chan, and Deputy Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Lau Sin-pang.
Ends/Wednesday, April 28, 2004
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