Transcript of CE's media session (with video)

Transcript of CE's media session (with video)
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     Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at a media session on prevention of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) at Central Government Offices, West Wing, Central, today (June 11):

     The steering committee has just confirmed the first cluster of local cases of human swine flu. Twelve students of St Paul's Convent School have been infected. We are unable to identify the source of infection. This means they are indigenous cases. We thus have to migrate from the current containment phase to a new mitigation phase. In accordance with our contingency plan, we will take the following key measures.

     All primary schools, kindergartens, child-care centres and special schools will suspend classes for 14 days from tomorrow. The Education Bureau will inform parents through the schools. The bureau and the Department of Health will closely monitor developments every day and will decide whether we can resume classes or continue the closure after the 14-day period.

     Meanwhile, the Hospital Authority will open on Saturday eight designated flu clinics for managing patients with influenza-like illness. The authority may expand the number of clinics to 18 if necessary. The Secretary for Food and Health will brief you later today on details.

     As we have said, given the global situation, that Hong Kong will have its local cases is simply inevitable. I believe that fellow citizens and the Government have done all we can in postponing the arrival of the first indigenous case. The Government will continue to be vigilant and be fully prepared for the worst. For members of the public, there is no need for panic, but there is every need for staying alert and paying heightened attention to personal and community hygiene.

     To win this fight against the swine flu, the Government and the people of Hong Kong must unite and work wholeheartedly together to stamp its spread. I am confident that together, we can do it.

     The Secretary for Education will now brief you about the suspension of schools.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Thursday, June 11, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:15

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