Chief Executive Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah today attended a briefing by the Influenza Pandemic Prevention Coordination Group, on Macao’s preventive measures against swine influenza and the evolution of the pandemic. The briefing was conducted by the group’s chairman, the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Chui Sai On. During the three-day Labour Day holidays starting tomorrow, the Health Bureau would continue to step up surveillance at all immigration checkpoints. Government health care centres would provide some services during the holidays. Macao would maintain close contact with the World Health Organization, Ministry of Health of the Central Government, and health departments of the neighbouring regions. Based on all available information, the Government deemed that the threat of swine flu exceeded than that of SARS in 2003 in terms of the numbers of infected people and death caused and the speed, scope and mode of the spreading of the virus. Several camping centres, youth centres and youth hostels under the supervision of government departments will be used as quarantine camps when needed. The Social Welfare Bureau has notified all social welfare institutions to implement all necessary preventive measures and store adequate resources. Staff of kindergartens and institutions that provide accommodation have been instructed to check the temperature of people entering their premises. Visitors and staff are also required to register when entering. The Education and Youth Affairs Bureau had also issued guidelines to all schools implement preventive measures, such as taking the temperature of students every morning and activating emergency task force when needed. Overseas students from Macao are urged to take note of the latest developments. The Health Bureau would organise talks for medical professionals in the next few days. In accordance with the contagious disease prevention law, the Influenza Pandemic Prevention Coordination Group could, with the approval of the Chief Executive, direct all public and private entities to adopt measures to prevent and control the disease. Meanwhile, three visitors from Mexico who arrived in Macao today to visit their family were tested negative for the flu. The Health Bureau would follow up on their health situation daily. To date there was no probable or confirmed human case of swine influenza A (H1N1) in Macao. A round-the-clock hotline of the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, at 853-28561122, has been set up for enquiries about swine influenza.
Is there anything wrong with this page?