The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, convened an inter-departmental meeting today to evaluate the surveillance measures and response plans that have been put in place after the H7N9 avian influenza virus have been reported in regions neighbouring Macao. So far no H7N9 avian influenza virus case has been reported in Macao. Mr Chui stressed that in any public health crisis, protection of the people's lives and health topped the Government's duties. The Government would also adequately adjust response plans according to the changes in an epidemic situation. He said all related departments would inform the people of the plans to avoid any chance of a panic by the an inadequately informed public. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Mr Cheong U; the Chief-of-Cabinet of the Office of the Chief Executive Mr Tam Chon Weng; the Secretary-General of the Executive Council Ms O Lam; the Director of the Government Information Bureau Mr Chan Chi Ping; the Director of the Health Bureau Mr Lei Chin Ion, the Acting President of Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau Mr Vong Iao Lek and other officials attended the meeting. Representatives of the Heath Bureau updated the Chief Executive the latest development of the response plans. A response team has been established in April last year who kept close contact with the World Health Organization (WHO) and health departments of the neighboring regions. The team also gives instructions to frontline medical staff on how to examine suspected cases to provide correct treatment in the shortest time once a case confirmed. The government has adequate resources to combat the virus, which included 1,200 diagnostic re-agents, anti-influenza virus medicine sufficient for more than 180,000 patients, supply of disposable protective materials for the Health Bureau and other governmental departments and non-profit organisations for more than three months. Representatives of Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau also reported their prevention and control plans, which include examination on all imported live poultry, monitor the health condition of poultry traders and provide free influenza vaccination for them. Mr Chui said all departments, according to its own duty nature, should well prepare for the prevention of the virus. The Health Bureau and the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau need to keep contact with the Mainland, the WHO, and neighboring regions by using the notification mechanism of public health emergencies between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. The Macao Customs Services will continue to watch out for and stop any illegally imported poultry. On the second quarter of last year, in response to the H7N9 development, the Chief Executive has instructed the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Cheong U and his staff to help prevent the spread of the H7N9 avian influenza virus from the Mainland. With the accumulated experience in dealing with infectious diseases, residents will closely co-operate with the Government and comply with the health guidelines, said Mr Chui.