Macao raises pandemic alert to level V

Macao has raised its pandemic alert from level IV to level V today following reports of community outbreaks of Influenza A (H1N1) in Japan and more confirmed cases in neighbouring regions, said the Health Bureau. And five Filipinos who sat three rows behind Hong Kong’s third confirmed case on a flight from New York to Hong Kong went to Macao and were tested negative for the virus. Since they had close contact with patient, they will be quarantined until Saturday. The five Filipinos, a couple and their children aged 8 to 14, arrived in Macao yesterday and stayed overnight at Venetian Macau. They showed no symptoms of influenza and were in a healthy condition. As Macao raised the pandemic alert to level V, the Government would strengthen the preventive measures at terminals, schools and hospitals. The Health Bureau urged Macao residents travelling abroad to seek medical treatment there if they developed symptoms of influenza and not travel long haul or long distance.