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To help elderly people better equip themselves in guarding against human swine influenza, volunteers from the Tai Po District Office and the Salvation Army Tai Po Multi-Service Centre for Senior Citizens visited single elderly residents in Tap Mun and San Wai Chai, Tai Po, this weekend. Volunteers sent their warm regards to the residents, explained precautionary measures and distributed disinfectant packs during the visits.
The programme recruited 72 volunteers from 22 local volunteer groups as "Good Apple Health Ambassadors" to organise visits to the single elderly people living in the remote areas in Tai Po and Sai Kung North.
Since the programme was launched in mid May, volunteers have visited various rural areas, including Sam Mun Tsai, Ting Kok and Tai Po Mei. It is estimated that the programme will cover about 2,500 single elderly residents in the district.
Prior to the home visits, volunteers received basic training during which they learned about human swine influenza and how to wear face masks and wash hands. They in turn spread such messages to the elderly people during the visits.
In addition, information on emotional support hotlines is also included in the disinfectant packs so that those who suffer from anxiety and emotional distress because of the disease can seek help and support.
A social worker from the Salvation Army Tai Po Multi-Service Centre for Senior Citizens who helped co-ordinate the campaign, Ms Shum Fung-ha, said, "Not only could the activity heighten the elderly's awareness of the flu, the volunteers who took part in the programme also learnt more about the disease and better equipped themselves to fight the pandemic."
Tai Po District Officer, Mr Eddie Poon, said, "In view of the latest developments in the pandemic, the Tai Po District Office will step up cleaning at the public enquiry service centre and community halls managed under the office and continue to co-operate with district organisations to promote flu prevention work in the community.
"We also plan to collaborate with local non-profit organisations and district councillors to organise a series of activities to ensure that relevant health messages reach all sectors of the community."
Ends/Sunday, June 14, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:04
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