HK takes further step to prevent SARS

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, January 15, 2004

HK takes further step to prevent SARS

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Although there is no Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) case in Hong Kong yet, the authorities are mindful of the people flow between the mainland and Hong Kong, especially with the approaching of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

In a further step preventing SARS, officials of the DH met Wednesday with representatives of the medical groups for the second time this month to brief them on the latest development of the SARS situation in neighboring Guangdong province.

The meeting was attended by representatives of 12 private hospitals, the Hospital Authority, the Hong Kong Medical Association, the Hong Kong Doctors Union and the Public Estate Doctors' Association, a spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) said on Jan. 14.

All parties pledged to continue their close collaboration in the prevention and early diagnosis of SARS. They also discussed SARS-related medical services arrangements ahead of the Lunar New Year.

Attendees agreed that, under the surveillance system, public and private hospitals and general practitioners in clinics will pass on information about any pneumonia patients who have traveled to Guangdong province during the 10 days before the onset of their symptoms to the DH for contact tracing and analysis.

As of Wednesday, 125 notifications had been received, said the spokesman.

He added that the DH continues to keep close contact with its Guangdong counterparts to obtain the latest information on the SARS situation. The department has also reminded the Hospital Authority, private hospitals, private doctors and laboratory personnel in Hong Kong to maintain their vigilance in infection control and disease reporting.

"For safety's sake, travelers to Guangdong who have fever and symptoms of respiratory tract infection should consult their doctors at once," the spokesman said.

"Even though Hong Kong has been free from SARS since early June, members of the public must remain on guard and observe good personal hygiene," the spokesman said.

Source: Xinhua

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