Government issues Red Outbound Travel Alert on Korea
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     In view of the health risks arising from the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak in Korea, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today (June 9) issued a Red Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) on the country.

     A government spokesman said, "The Food and Health Bureau (FHB) advises Hong Kong residents to avoid non-essential travel to Korea, including leisure travel. Those already there should pay attention to announcements by local authorities and avoid unnecessary visits to healthcare facilities."

     The FHB will closely monitor the situation. Any updates will be issued through the media, the Department of Health (DH) webpage (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/26511.html) and the Security Bureau's OTA webpage (www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota). Any enquiries on health information on MERS may be addressed to the DH's hotline at (852)2125 1111 (operating daily from 9am to 6pm).

     Hong Kong residents in Korea who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit (AHU) of the Immigration Department at (852)1868 or contact the Chinese Embassy in Republic of Korea (Consular protection hotline: (82)10-97249110).

     In addition, Hong Kong residents are encouraged to use the online Registration of Outbound Travel Information (ROTI) service (www.gov.hk/roti) to register their contact details and itinerary when outside Hong Kong. The information provided allows the DH and AHU of the Immigration Department to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means, including SMS on mobile phones, on a timely basis when necessary.

Ends/Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Issued at HKT 13:31

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