Hong Kong stands down Alert Level of SARS response system

27 May 2004

Dear Doctor,

Please be informed that we shall stand down Alert Level of SARS response system with effect from 28 May 2004.

From 23 April to 4 May 2004, nine cases of SARS were confirmed by the Ministry of Health, People��� ��� s Republic of China. Seven cases resided in Beijing, two in Anhui Province. Hundreds of close contacts were placed under medical surveillance. As of 27 May, one case had died, and eight cases were discharged from hospital.

Hong Kong activated Alert Level of SARS response system on 23 April 2004 in response to the SARS case reported in the Mainland. We have sought your assistance in notifying us of pneumonia patients with history of travel to Beijing and Anhui Province within 10 days before symptom onset. So far, 3 reports have been received and all of them were tested negative for SARS.

On 18 May 2004, more than three weeks after the last case was placed in isolation, the World Health Organization declared that the chain of human-to-human transmission appeared to have been broken. After a careful assessment of the current situation, we consider it appropriate to stand down Alert Level with effect from 28 May 2004. In this connection, the reporting of community-acquired pneumonia patients with history of travel to Beijing and Anhui Province to Department of Health is no longer necessary. Nevertheless, you are advised to maintain vigilance in infection control in your health care facility. Meanwhile, Department of Health will continue with health screening measures at border control points.

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