2 April 2004

Dear Doctor,

Hong Kong stands down Alert Level of SARS response system

Please be informed that we shall stand down Alert Level of SARS response system with effect from 6 April 2004. I would also like to take this opportunity to inform you the rationale behind this decision and our preventive measures against SARS.

On 25 March, a delegation of medical professionals led by the Director of Health met the Guangdong counterparts to exchange views on the control, surveillance and treatment of SARS, influenza and AIDS. The meeting reviewed the four SARS cases reported in Guangzhou since last December. The cases had onset of symptoms between 16 December 2003 and 7 January 2004. The last case was discharged in late January 2004. There was no secondary spread in any of the cases. Culling and banning of palm civet sales were enforced in January 2004. The Health Department of Guangdong Province has wound down the SARS contingency measures since 19 March 2004.

Hong Kong activated Alert Level of SARS response system on 17 December 2003 in response to the SARS case reported in Taiwan, and has maintained at this level as SARS cases were subsequently reported from Guangdong Province. In addition, we have sought your assistance in notifying us of pneumonia patients with history of travel to Guangdong Province within 10 days before symptom onset. So far, approximately 450 such pneumonia patients have been reported and all of them were tested negative for SARS.

The current assessment is that SARS risk in Hong Kong has reverted back to baseline. To suitably reflect the situation, Hong Kong will stand down Alert Level with effect from 6 April 2004. We shall, however, maintain vigilance and continue with health screening measures at border control points, including temperature screening and health declaration. This Department shall maintain close communication with our Mainland counterparts such that we learn about new SARS cases in the first instance and respond accordingly.

The reporting of community-acquired pneumonia patients with history of travel to Guangdong to Department of Health is no longer necessary. Nevertheless, you are advised to maintain due vigilance during patient consultation and in infection control measures in your health care facility. Please be reminded that SARS is a statutorily notifiable infectious disease. Department of Health will investigate promptly patients with clinical suspicion of SARS and provide necessary diagnostic support.

We have uploaded relevant advice and information on SARS in the designated website http://www.info.gov.hk/info/sars/e_profession.htm and we shall make best use of the website to keep you posted of new developments.

Yours faithfully,  (Dr. Thomas TSANG)    for Director of Health