Press Release
Hong Kong and Shenzhen agreed to strengthen border health control measures
December 31, 2003
Hong Kong's Department of Health (DH), Security Bureau, Immigration Department and the Shenzhen Entry-exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau have expressed concerns about the suspected SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) case in Guangzhou and have agreed to further strengthen health measures at border check points as well as their notification mechanism.
Following a meeting with the Shenzhen Bureau today (December 31), the Director of Health, Dr Lam Ping-yan, said: "Both sides had extensively exchanged views on the existing port health measures arrangements. In particular, we had in-depth discussions on the enhanced border control measures being implemented to prevent SARS."
He said Hong Kong and Shenzhen have been in close contact in implementing border control measures since SARS cases were reported early this year. Both sides agreed that heightened vigilance against SARS throughout the winter months is essential. In addition, they agreed to strengthen co-operation so that prompt response can be made if necessary.
The meeting noted that the Mainland is very concerned about the health of Hong Kong people. It has especially requested all border control points to tighten border control measures, and in particular strengthen the measures at crossings to Hong Kong.
In view of the suspected SARS case in Guangzhou, the Department of Health has been closely monitoring developments. Both Hong Kong and Shenzhen have introduced enhanced measures at border control points since December 27, including deploying additional manpower to check points.
Today, the condition of the 32-year-old suspected SARS patient in Guangzhou continues to improve and his temperature remains normal.
DH is maintaining daily contact with its Guangdong counterparts with a view to obtaining the latest information on this case.
About 500,000 travellers arrived from or departed for the Mainland yesterday. Seven had been found to have a fever and 63 were reported to be unwell. Among these people, five were referred to hospitals for further examination. However, none of them was suspected of having contracted SARS, and only one of them was admitted for treatment. The condition of this patient is stable.
The DH's SARS hotline 187 2222 has received 60 enquiries from December 27 to 12pm today. The hotline will be operated from 9am to 5pm tomorrow.
A DH spokesman said: "For safety's sake, recent travellers to Guangdong who have fever or symptoms of respiratory tract infection should consult their doctors at once."
"The DH has reminded the Hospital Authority, private hospitals, private doctors and laboratory personnel in Hong Kong to maintain vigilance in infection control and disease reporting.
"We have also sent letters to all Chinese medicine practitioners to advise them to be vigilant.
"Even though Hong Kong has been free from SARS since early June, members of the public are reminded to remain vigilant and observe good personal hygiene," the spokesman said.
For prevention of respiratory tract infection, the public is advised to adopt the following precautions:
- Maintain good personal hygiene, and wash hands after sneezing, coughing or blowing the nose;
- Maintain good ventilation;
- Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation;
- Consult a doctor promptly if respiratory symptoms develop;
- Put on a mask if suffering from respiratory tract infection to reduce the chance of spreading the infection to others; and build up good bodily immunity by maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.
For further information on SARS, please visit the website: This link will open in a new windowhttp://www.info.gov.hk/info/sars/eindex.htm.