Director of Health introduces mitigation strategy to Shenzhen authority

29 Jun 2009

The Director of Health, Dr PY Lam today (June 29) met with the Director General of Shenzhen Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Mr Liu Sheng-li, to introduce the adjusted mitigation strategy on human swine influenza being implemented in Hong Kong.

Dr Lam explained at the meeting that since human swine influenza had been widely circulating in the community, control and preventive measures against the disease had been adjusted and came into effect today.

Noting that patient isolation and contact tracing were no longer efficient in reducing transmission, Dr Lam said control measures being implemented at all boundary control point would remain unchanged.

"Temperature screening, health declarations and broadcast of health messages at the control points would continue.

"Travellers found to have mild flu symptoms at boundary control points will be given facemasks and advised to seek medical attention at Designated Flu Clinics. But those with severe symptoms will be taken to public hospitals for further medical examination," Dr Lam said.

Dr Lam noted there was a difference between Hong Kong and Shenzhen in handling people with influenza symptoms. People going to the Mainland from Hong Kong and found to have influenza-like symptoms would be taken to hospitals for further management or advised to return to Hong Kong.

Hence, Dr Lam appealed to people who had developed influenza-like symptoms and planned to travel to defer their trips and seek medical consultation as soon as possible.

He said both parties would maintain close liaison in the fight against human swine influenza.