**********************************************************
The Social Welfare Department (SWD) today (April 27)reminded social welfare service units of the department and non-governmental organisations to guard against human swine flu.
A spokesman for the department said, "We have made arrangements to issue to residential institutions , day centres providing training and care as well as other social welfare service units an advisory letter and a factsheet on human swine flu from the Centre for Health Protection (CHP)."
"Staff of the social welfare service units are advised to be vigilant against swine flu. They should also refer to the Guidelines on the Prevention of the Spreading of Influenzato maintain personal and environmental hygiene, step up cleanliness and precautionary measures, and draw up their own contingency measures pertinent to their setting."
Anyone who has developed influenza-likesymptoms such as fever, sore throat and cough should consult doctor for medicaladvice promptly.
If there is an increase in respiratory illnesses or absenteeism among service users or staff, the social welfare service units should report to CHP for immediate epidemiological investigations and outbreak control.
"We will closely monitor the situationand work closely with CHP to render help to social welfare service units in implementing preventive measuresagainst human swine influenza," the spokesman added.
Ends/Monday, April 27, 2009
Issued at HKT 23:31
NNNN
