Announcements

In view of the cluster of viral pneumonia cases with unknown cause in Wuhan, the Government launched the Preparedness and Response Plan for Novel Infectious Disease of Public Health Significance and activated the Serious Response Level on 4 January 2020. Under the Serious Response Level, the immediate health impact caused by Novel Infectious Disease of Public Health Significance on local population was assessed to be moderate.  The University Health Service will closely monitor the health surveillance on campus.

To prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infection, it is essential to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene.  When travelling outside Hong Kong, avoid visiting wet markets, live poultry markets or farms. Wear surgical masks and seek medical attention if present with fever or respiratory symptoms, and reveal your travel history to doctors.

Please take heed of the following health advice:

• Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes; after touching public installations such as handrails or door knobs; or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretion after coughing or sneezing;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel or hand dryer. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, hand hygiene with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub is an effective alternative;
• Clean objects thoroughly and frequently with diluted household bleach (by adding one part of household bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite to 49 parts of water), followed by rinsing or wiping with clean water; 
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly; and
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending class at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly.

For the latest information, please visit the webpage of Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health:

–  Enhanced surveillance for the cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan of Hubei
https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102465.html

–  Preparedness and Response Plan for Novel Infectious Disease of Public Health Significance (2020), HKSAR Government
https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/govt_preparedness and response plan for novel infectious disease of public health significance eng.pdf