Press Release - March 29, 2003

The Director of Health of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Dr Margaret Chan has expressed concerns over the surge in the number of infections in Amoy Gardens in Kowloon, adding that a thorough investigation is underway to find the reasons for it.

Speaking on two radio programmes in Hong Kong this morning, Dr Chan said her staff started visiting residents at the estate late last night, distributing health advice to them and collecting environmental samples for testing.

Noting that the evidence so far suggests the infection is spread through droplets, she urged the public to wash their hands frequently and wear masks if they have flu-like symptoms. People with symptoms of fever and coughing should not go to schools or workplaces.

Dr Chan said a majority of patients have had a positive response to the treatment given to them, adding that the chance of recovery is higher than 90% if patients seek treatment early.

She said, as a precautionary measure, quite a number of patients who have recovered are still being kept in the hospitals for about one week to make sure they are not infectious before they are sent home.

Dr Chan said starting Monday, March 31, her department will invoke the Quarantine & Prevention of Disease Ordinance.

Residents in Hong Kong who have had close contact with infected patients will be asked to report to the department's four specified offices for a medical check, she added.

If they show symptoms of the disease, they may be sent to hospital for treatment. If they do not show signs, they will be asked to report to the designated health offices for a daily check up for 10 days.

It is known at this stage that about 1,080 people in Hong Kong have been in close contact with the patients, but the figures will be updated regularly, she added.

Dr Chan also noted that a health-declaration system for Hong Kong arrivals will begin at entry points this afternoon. All passengers arriving by air, sea or at land-boundary control points will have to submit a completed health declaration before entering Hong Kong.

Dr Chan said the HKSAR Government will also step up publicity among foreign domestic helpers to raise their awareness of the disease.

The HKSAR Department of Health will give them health advice through their local consuls and labour oganisations.

For updated information and latest news on respiratory tract infections, please visit the special home page on the subject at www.info.gov.hk/info/infection-e.htm, and the HKSAR Department of Health website at www.info.gov.hk/dh/ap.htm as well as the e-bulletin at www.news.gov.hk/en/index.shtml.