Press Releases

SFH on MERS

Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, after attending a radio programme today (June 13):

Reporter: Can you briefly explain the significance of the so-called fourth generation transmission of virus? Do you expect the number of suspected cases intercepted in Hong Kong will drop?

Secretary for Food and Health: Firstly, if the transmission in Korea continues, the risk of community outbreak will increase. Secondly, the confirmation of a fourth generation transmission case will further extend the observation period before we are sure that transmission in Korea has ceased. Looking at the number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in Korea in the past several days, it appears that the number of cases has levelled off. But of course with the confirmation of any fourth generation case, we need to be cautious and further extend the horizon of observation.

Reporter: Any number of suspected cases of MERS?

Secretary for Food and Health: I hope the number of suspected cases will gradually drop after the issuance of Outbound Travel Alert on Korea. We know that many travel groups to Korea have cancelled. We expect the number of Hong Kong citizens travelling to Korea will drop and hopefully the number of suspected cases requiring isolation and testing will also drop in due course.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Saturday, June 13, 2015
Issued at HKT 10:49

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