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The Government is preparing itself fully against the threat of the novel coronavirus infection in view of the recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) on overseas human cases of this disease in two patients from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Qatar and has been stepping up preventive and surveillance measures to protect public health.
Speaking at a media briefing today (September 26), the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), Dr Thomas Tsang, said that according to WHO, the novel coronavirus is different from the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronavirus, nonetheless, the CHP is taking this incident seriously as the evolution of the outbreak is uncertain.
"Although there is no suspected case in Hong Kong so far, the Government remains vigilant and has enhanced surveillance on multiple fronts."
"These include the setting up an enhanced surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals, practising doctors and the airport for any suspected cases of novel coronavirus infection, especially among returning travellers from KSA or Qatar," said Dr Tsang, adding that Infection Control Guidance was also sent to private hospitals in case they admitted a suspected patient.
"To facilitate the reporting of this novel coronavirus by medical practitioners, we are making preparations to include it as a notifiable infectious disease under the law. The relevant legislative amendments are being consolidated," he said.
"Besides, we noted that the UK health authority has published partial gene sequence of the novel coronavirus and this will facilitate our laboratory confirmatory testing," he said. Dr Tsang reiterated that the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch under the CHP has the capacity to detect this virus within two days under normal circumstances.
Regarding the collaboration within government departments, the CHP has conducted an interdepartmental briefing on novel coronavirus infection to relevant government departments to keep them abreast of the latest development and gear up related preparations.
Turing to public communication, Dr Tsang said that letters had been issued to travel industry, airlines, schools and elderly homes, etc., to inform them of the latest situation and provide them with infection control guidance and related health advice.
In response to media reports on more overseas suspected cases, Dr Tsang said that the news has yet to be confirmed by the WHO, and the CHP will continue to liaise with international health partners to gather more information.
"The situation is dynamic and more developments may take place in the coming days and weeks, as more investigation findings come to light. We will update the public frequently," he concluded.
Ends/Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Issued at HKT 20:10
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