Health advice for Travellers during the Lunar New Year

During the Lunar New Year, there will be many visitors coming to Hong Kong, and local residents going abroad to enjoy their holidays. To safeguard your health and the health of others, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region advises travellers to pay attention to the following precautionary measures before, during and after the trip:
  • People who feel unwell, have a fever or have been in close contact with suspected or confirmed Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) patients during the last 10 days are advised not to travel.
  • Cooperate with the health authorities and comply with all immigration procedures and health checks.
  • If you feel unwell, especially with a fever, inform hotel staff and your tour leader. Arrange medical treatment at once.
  • If you have symptoms of an infection within 14 days after the trip, consult the doctor and provide details of your recent travel.
  • To prevent contracting respiratory tract infections, observe good personal and environmental hygiene whenever/ wherever you are.
    Please pay attention to the following precautionary measures:
    • Keep hands clean, wash hands frequently with liquid soap, especially before eating and touching nose, mouth and eyes. Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when coughing or sneezing. Put soiled tissues into a rubbish bin with lid and then wash hands thoroughly.
    • Avoid contact with live poultry or birds especially in children. Wash hands immediately after handling them.
    • If hand washing facilities are not available, wash hands with a disinfectant containing 65%-95% alcohol.
    • Avoid visiting crowded or poorly ventilated places.
    • If you develop symptoms of a respiratory tract infection such as fever or cough, wear a mask and seek medical advice promptly. Remember to provide details of your recent travel.
Support Services
For local residents who encounter difficulties at the immigration counter on quarantine grounds while overseas, please call
Department of Health's Port Health 24-hour hotline (852) 8103 1717
Immigration Department's 24-hour hotline (852) 2829 3010

For more information on health
Please call the Department of Health's 24-hour pre-recorded health education hotline :
2833 0111, Department of Health's SARS hotline at 187 2222 during office hours, or visit the Department of Health's website : http://www.dh.gov.hk

January 2004