April 16, 2013

Hong Kong and Shenzhen have agreed to enhance prevention and control measures against infectious diseases at boundary control points.
 
In view of the recent human cases of Influenza A (H7N9) and novel coronavirus infections, Director of Health Dr Constance Chan today met with Director General of the Shenzhen Entry-Exit Inspection & Quarantine Bureau Gao Yuchao in Shenzhen to discuss health inspection and quarantine measures at the boundary.
 
Both sides reaffirmed the existing point-to-point notification mechanism and patient transfer arrangement and pledged to enhance co-operation in areas including health checks for cross-boundary students, and health publicity and education for travellers leaving Shenzhen to Hong Kong.
 
Shenzhen authorities will advise symptomatic students to refrain from going to schools in Hong Kong, put them under medical surveillance at home or send them to hospitals for further management. The cases will then be notified to Hong Kong. Health checks and temperature screening for cross boundary students will also be strengthened for early identification of symptomatic students.
 
A referral mechanism has been set up, under which referral of cross-border travellers, including students who are found ill at control points in Hong Kong, will be arranged by the two sides. Shenzhen authorities will co-ordinate and arrange for the travellers to receive medical attention and treatment in their home places.
 
Shenzhen will organise briefings for cross-boundary student service centres and school bus operators.
 
It will also enhance its health publicity and education for cross-border travellers leaving Shenzhen during the Labour Day holiday on the Mainland from April 29 to May 1. Additional manpower will be deployed to boundary control points in both places to enhance temperature screening and health checks for visitors.
 
Both sides also confirmed the point-to-point communication list for all boundary control points in two places, the real time notification of cases of infectious diseases, as well as the update of information on the measures taken at boundary control points.