Macao raises pandemic alert to level IV

Macao decided to raise its alert to pandemic from level III to level IV tomorrow to better prepare for the possible outbreak of swine influenza. The World Health Organization raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5 yesterday due to the development of the pandemic. The Chairman of Influenza Pandemic Prevention Coordination Group and the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Chui Sai On, said Macao would step up its preventive measures to fight against the influenza. These included activating the separation of outpatients with fever or respiratory diseases at hospitals, requiring all visitors entering from Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal and Macau International Airport to declare their health situation, and restricting staff of health departments from applying for holidays. Mr Chui visited an infectious disease rehabilitation centre, three major immigration terminals and the Hospital Conde S. Januário to inspect Macao’s facilities and equipment in preventing the disease. He said Macao would continue to follow the instructions of the World Health Organization and attach its greatest efforts in the combat against the disease.