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Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, after attending a radio programme this morning (August 16):
Reporter: (On the threat of Ebola virus disease to Hong Kong)
Secretary for Food and Health: All countries in the Asia-Pacific region are very concerned about the situation of the Ebola outbreaks in West Africa. Up to this moment, there is no evidence demonstrating that the disease is under control in the affected areas. On the contrary, the available data is pointing to the fact that there are increasing mortality and increasing numbers of cases. We are all very concerned about the latest development. Therefore, many places, including Hong Kong, have introduced similar surveillance measures at the immigration aspect. In Hong Kong, we have implemented measures including disseminating the relevant information to all visitors to Hong Kong, advising them to present themselves to our port health officers upon arrival if they have developed the relevant symptoms and have a history of exposure to situation with outbreaks of Ebola virus disease.
Reporter: (On the requirement of health declaration at border checkpoints)
Secretary for Food and Health: We have implemented the measures that I have mentioned before. At this stage, I consider these measures be the most effective and appropriate ones.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Saturday, August 16, 2014
Issued at HKT 12:22
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