Press Releases
SFH on human swine flu (with photo/video)
Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and
Health, Dr York Chow, after briefing Heung Yee Kuk today (May 5):
Secretary for Food and Health: We met with Heung Yee Kuk members this
afternoon, emphasising on the work that we are doing on fighting human swine
flu. We have received a lot of support from members and also their very
energetic support for our work. At this point of time, I would like to
appeal to the public that we need to look after the hygiene of our
environment, our homes, our working places and the people working with us,
including our family members. The Heung Yee Kuk would also increase their
vigilance on hygiene and work with the Government as well as the District
Councils to ensure our environment is clean and hygienic. It is important at
this point of time that we have a higher alert for our citizens regarding
this possible pandemic. It is a very important message.
Reporter: (Quarantine lifted on Friday and bring down the level)
Secretary for Food and Health: It depends on whether we have new cases
coming in in the next few days. It also depends on whether those people who
are under quarantine will stay healthy in the next three days. Of course, we
hope that the measures we have taken would be able to contain this virus
infection for the time being but we cannot be complacent. There is constant
threat of imported cases as well as the increase in cases being confirmed in
many other countries around the world. So, we have to monitor what is
happening in the rest of the world, particularly the alert level of WHO, and
have to depend on whether we have new cases in Hong Kong before we can stand
down.
Reporter: Would you release the Mexican index patient?
Secretary for Food and Health: The index patient, the Mexican, is under
treatment and observation. We would not discharge him until he is well
proven that he is no longer infectious. As far as I know that, I don't think
he is actually in that stage.
Reporter: (How to improve)
Secretary for Food and Health: I think in the last few days, we cannot
expect everything to be 100 per cent perfect. We have tried to respond to
some of the needs and requests from those people under quarantine. Both the
Home Affairs Department as well as the other departments, including
departments under my bureau, try to help out in this aspect. Of course,
those under quarantine will always be uncomfortable because of the
restriction of the movement and loss of freedom. I hope they understand that
this is for their own health and also for the good of the whole community.
It is also for the main purpose of minimising or stopping the spread of the
infection in our community and to some extent to the rest of world. So, it
is a very important sacrifice for them but I hope they understand and feel
that actually they are in some way well looked after by us as much as
possible. This is my message for them.
Question: (Inaudible)
Secretary for Food and Health: We will decide how we deal with those who
appear after the quarantine period is over. If they have already served a
quarantine order, I think it is by law that they need to appear, but if not,
then of course after this seven-day quarantine period, there is nothing we
can do about it.
Question: (Inaudible)
Secretary for Food and Health: As I have said, we have the name and also we
have served a quarantine order on them. They have a legal responsibility to
appear and we can take any actions against them if necessary.
(Please also refer to the
Chinese session of the transcript)
Ends/Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:55
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(Photo)