11 May 2010
The Government has decided to lower the influenza response level under the Framework of Government's Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic from "Emergency" to "Alert" Response Level with effect from May 24, 2010, barring any unforeseen factors arising from the meeting of the World Health Organization to be held in the week of May 17, 2010.
A spokesman of the Centre for Health Protection said the Emergency Response Level Steering Committee made the decision today (May 11) after reviewing the latest scientific evidence and local situation of human swine influenza (HSI). The "Emergency" Response Level was activated about a year ago on May 1, 2009.
"HSI activity in Hong Kong has been steadily declining since its peak in late September 2009 and has stayed low even during the recent winter flu season in March 2010," he said.
"The clinical severity of HSI has not changed during the past year."
As of May 10, a total of 80 fatal cases have been recorded locally. Among all these fatal cases, 85 per cent had at least one pre-existing chronic disease or risk factor.
The spokesman said that from May 24, 2010 onwards, government activities will gradually revert to a scale appropriate for the Alert Response Level including reversion of Designated Flu Clinics to general outpatient clinics; normalisation of infection control practices and services in hospitals and clinics, including visiting hours of hospitals; updating of messages and information for the public and relevant stakeholders.
"While response activities are being scaled down, we will continue with our influenza surveillance and the HSI vaccination programme," the spokesman stressed.
"Our success in fighting the HSI pandemic is largely attributed to the efforts of the public in observing personal and environmental hygiene," said the spokesman.
The public are advised to stay vigilant and continue the hygiene habits including washing hands particularly after sneezing or coughing; maintaining good ventilation; building up good body immunity by having a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, and avoiding smoking.