**********************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
In response to the Government's activation of Serious Response Level in view of avian influenza outbreak in a local poultry farm, the Hospital Authority (HA) has accordingly elevated to Serious Response Level after the urgent meeting of the Central Committee on Infectious Disease & Emergency Response.
The HA spokesman said the Authority, in close collaboration with the Centre for Health Protection, would implement enhanced surveillance on poultry workers and report to CHP for those with influenza-like illness. All frontline staff would be reminded to stay vigilant for avian influenza.
"The Centre for Health Protection has also implemented medical surveillance for the exposed poultry workers from the farm and six workers were admitted to the HA Infectious Disease Centre at Princess Margaret Hospital. Investigations for high risk patients will be conducted."
"Under the current Response Level, hospital visiting hours for acute wards are not more than four hours per day and not more than two visitors at a time, while that for convalescent hospitals are not more than six hours per day and not more than two visitors at a time."
Public are also reminded of the infection control measures under the Serious Response Level, including the hand hygiene; visitors with respiratory symptoms are required to put on surgical masks in hospitals and clinics.
The HA will continue to closely liaise and co-operate with the Centre for Health Protection to keep the general public and professionals posted of the most updated situation and relevant information.
Ends/Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:38
NNNN
