30 Apr 2009
A spokesman for the Department of Health said all passengers arriving in Hong Kong by air were required to complete a health declaration starting today (April 30).
"Health declaration forms are being handed out to passengers arriving at the Hong Kong International Airport. The health declaration will be collected before travellers go through the immigration control points." the spokesman said.
To facilitate the implementation of the related measures, Airport Authority Hong Kong has set up additional desks with stationery at over 50 places at arrival level for passengers to fill in the form.
"Because of the new measures, the waiting time for the passengers and processing time by the control officers may take longer. We appeal to all passengers for their understanding and patience while travelling through the control points," the spokesman added.
Additional manpower and the airport's Customer Care Team are deployed to assist passengers, while public broadcast is made every 15 minutes to remind travellers to fill in the health declaration form upon arrival.
Leaflets on human swine influenza will be distributed to travellers after they pass through the Custom and Excise checkpoints.
Regarding preventive measures at other boundary control points, the spokesman said additional manpower will be deployed there during the coming holiday.
Arriving travellers found with fever (over 38℃) would have their travel history and symptoms assessed, the spokesman said.
"They will be taken to hospital for further examination if necessary," the spokesman said.