Hong Kong Activates SARS Alert System

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has activated the lowest alert level of its three-tier emergency response system relating to SARS following the confirmation on December 17 of a SARS case in Taiwan and the notification on December 26 by the Guangdong Department of Health of a suspected SARS case involving a 32-year-old man from Panyu, Guangdong.

According to the HKSAR’s emergency response system on SARS, the alert level will be activated when there is a laboratory-confirmed SARS case outside Hong Kong, or a SARS alert – falling within the World Health Organisation definition – in Hong Kong. 

When there are one or more laboratory-confirmed SARS cases in Hong Kong, occurring in a sporadic manner, the Level 1 response will be activated. Level 2 will be in place when there are signs of local transmission of the disease.

The HKSAR Director of Health, Dr Lam Ping-yan, said the HKSAR Government attached much importance to the suspected case and was following the developments closely. “We have stepped up our port health measures and are paying special attention to incoming and outgoing passengers from Guangdong.”

All passengers from Guangdong are required to report if they are feeling unwell. The Department of Health has also deployed staff to offer assistance to passengers at all control points.

The Department of Health also maintains the mandatory health declarations and temperature screening checks for passengers from Guangdong. Broadcasts to enhance incoming travellers’ alertness to SARS have also been stepped up.

A hotline (852-187-2222), which operates from 9 am to 9 pm, has been set up to take calls in relation to the suspected case, in particular from those returning from or departing for Guangdong. 

On cross-border surveillance, the Department of Health will maintain close contact with the World Health Organisation and the Guangdong authorities to obtain updated information about the case.

To keep the medical profession informed of the situation, the Department of Health will continue to disseminate the most updated information to doctors, private hospitals and relevant people in the profession.

The HKSAR Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong said the incident was a good warning for Hong Kong. He believed that Hong Kong was adequately prepared as it now had better facilities, adequate protective gear, and a response system, which could swiftly respond to any contingencies.

In response to a recent question in the Hong Kong Legislative Council, Dr. Yeoh said that the health screenings, which had been in place since March this year, had checked more than 66 million travelers at border control points in Hong Kong.

These health screenings, involving more than 300 overhead infrared temperature scanners and medical posts to assist travellers at all land and sea control points, have functioned smoothly and effectively as a preventive measure against SARS.

Top