March 10, 2013
The Government may step up preventive measures regarding suspected cases of severe respiratory disease associated with novel coronavirus, Secretary for Food & Health Dr Ko Wing-man says, including incorporating a warning alert for inbound flights from affected areas.
Speaking to the media today, Dr Ko said the such an alert would remind air crew as well passengers that, if they have fever or upper respiratory tract symptoms, they should report them to the crew members and port health staff.
Dr Ko said there has been a total of 14 global cases of confirmed cases of infection with new novel coronavirus causing severe respiratory disease. There is also evidence of human-to-human transmission in the most recent cluster of cases in the United Kingdom
He urged people to adopt stringent public and personal hygiene measures.
“Whenever you are travelling outside Hong Kong, do not get into contact with wild animals, wild birds and poultry. If you get upper respiratory tract symptoms and fever within certain days after you returned to Hong Kong, please take personal protection measures and see a doctor."
He urged people not to eat wild birds or animals when they are abroad.
He said Hong Kong is now in the transition from winter to spring, which is also the peak period for seasonal flu and other upper respiratory tract illnesses.
Dr Ko added that SARS was affecting Hong Kong at this time 10 years ago, and Hong Kong people should not forget its lessons. The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department will launch more public hygiene measures with the districts, to enhance community awareness and preparedness. http://www.news.gov.hk/en/categories/health/html/2013/03/20130310_141746.shtml
Speaking to the media today, Dr Ko said the such an alert would remind air crew as well passengers that, if they have fever or upper respiratory tract symptoms, they should report them to the crew members and port health staff.
Dr Ko said there has been a total of 14 global cases of confirmed cases of infection with new novel coronavirus causing severe respiratory disease. There is also evidence of human-to-human transmission in the most recent cluster of cases in the United Kingdom
He urged people to adopt stringent public and personal hygiene measures.
“Whenever you are travelling outside Hong Kong, do not get into contact with wild animals, wild birds and poultry. If you get upper respiratory tract symptoms and fever within certain days after you returned to Hong Kong, please take personal protection measures and see a doctor."
He urged people not to eat wild birds or animals when they are abroad.
He said Hong Kong is now in the transition from winter to spring, which is also the peak period for seasonal flu and other upper respiratory tract illnesses.
Dr Ko added that SARS was affecting Hong Kong at this time 10 years ago, and Hong Kong people should not forget its lessons. The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department will launch more public hygiene measures with the districts, to enhance community awareness and preparedness. http://www.news.gov.hk/en/categories/health/html/2013/03/20130310_141746.shtml
