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The HKSAR Government welcomed the World Health Organization (WHO)'s announcement of post-pandemic period following the advice of the WHO's Emergency Committee today (August 10).
The Director-General of the WHO, Dr Margaret Chan, said that the world is no longer in phase 6 of influenza pandemic alert and now moving into the post-pandemic period.
A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) said Hong Kong had lowered its influenza response level under the Framework of Government's Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic from the "emergency" to the "alert" response level since May 24, 2010.
The Emergency Response Level Steering Committee made the decision after reviewing the latest scientific evidence and local human swine influenza situation. The "emergency" response level was activated on May 1, 2009.
"The CHP will continue to monitor influenza activity closely," the spokesman said.
The public are advised to stay vigilant and continue practising good hygiene including washing hands particularly after sneezing or coughing; maintaining good ventilation; building up good body immunity by having a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, and avoiding smoking.
Ends/Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Issued at HKT 22:46
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