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To promote public participation in the fight against human swine influenza, Tsuen Wan District Council (DC), Tsuen Wan District Office and relevant government departments held a health seminar at Tsuen Wan Town Hall today (May 14). About 1,000 citizens and representatives from local organisations and schools attended the talk.
At the seminar, representatives from the Department of Health explained the symptoms, mode of transmission and treatment of human swine influenza while a doctor from Yan Chai Hospital detailed the contingency measures taken by the hospital, including limited visiting hours and reminders to visitors and the public about the usage of face masks and hand hygiene.
Representatives from the Education Bureau and the Social Welfare Department also briefed participants on the preventive measures being carried out in schools and social welfare service units against the disease. Representatives from the Hong Kong Police Force, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Housing Department, Lands Department and Leisure and Cultural Services Department were also present at the event.
Tsuen Wan DC Chairman, Mr Chau How-chen, said, "funds have been reserved for provision of face masks for DC members, community halls and village offices in case of the emergence of a large-scale community outbreak. Resources are also provided for kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, social welfare service units and public housing estates in the district for purchase of automatic disinfectant machines and solutions."
Tsuen Wan District Officer, Mr Cheung Doi-ching, said, "The seminar has strengthened the public's awareness of the prevention of the disease and reminded residents of the importance of environmental and personal hygiene so as to lower the risk of a community outbreak and achieve the long-term aim of preventing a pandemic.
"Also, various sectors in Tsuen Wan have fully demonstrated the spirit of mutual help through organising a wide range of activities to enhance community cohesiveness," he added.
Participants at the seminar expressed their concern about the disease and there were keen responses in the question-and-answer session. Disinfectant packs were distributed to the audience after the seminar.
"The Tsuen Wan District Office will conduct a cleaning operation in late May, which targets the single block buildings in the district and the rural areas. We will continue to co-operate fully with the District Council, various government departments and district organisations in the fight to prevent the pandemic disease," Mr Cheung said.
Ends/Thursday, May 14, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:13
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