**************************************************
Temperature screening for arriving passengers will be re-activated tomorrow (December 15) at the immigration control points in Man Kam To, Hung Hom Through Train Station and Hong Kong-Macao Ferry Terminal, the last batch of the eight land, sea and air immigration control points to re-introduce temperature checks.
A spokesman for the Department of Health said the temperature screening of incoming travellers is a precautionary measure to reduce the chance of the spread of avian influenza into Hong Kong and to protect the health of passengers and the community.
He noted that temperature screening was first re-activated at Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau on November 18, followed by Sha Tau Kok and China Ferry Terminal on November 25.
"Infra-red thermo-imaging machines were ready at all these immigration points. Department of Health staff will be responsible for temperature screening of travellers.
"Travellers found to have a high temperature by the infra-red machines will have their temperature rechecked. Those confirmed to have fever will be further assessed to see if they have had symptoms of influenza and exposure to the avian influenza virus. If required, they will be referred to hospitals for further investigation.
"A total of 217 travellers with fever have been screened out at the border checkpoints so far, since temperature screening was first re-activated on November 18. None of them required hospitalisation," the spokesman added.
He reminded travellers to observe good personal hygiene at all times. When travelling outside Hong Kong, they should avoid touching live birds and poultry. Those returning from areas with outbreaks of avian influenza should wear a mask and consult doctors promptly if they have symptoms of influenza. They should let the doctor know their travel history.
Further information on preventive measures is available at the websites of the Travel Health Service at http://www.travelhealth.gov.hk and the Centre for Health Protection at http://www.chp.gov.hk/.
Ends/Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Issued at HKT 17:20
NNNN
