Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow has called on the community, particularly schools, to guard against H1N1 Influenza A to avoid outbreaks. He urged everyone in the community to understand the risks and prepare for any possible pandemic.

Dr Chow today met with school representatives who assured him they are following guidelines and have made the preparations required to avoid flu outbreaks. He said schools will get sufficient time to prepare before the Government announces any closure of kindergartens and primary schools should an outbreak occur.

A special subsidy has been approved to help schools stock up on cleaning provisions.

"We are focusing on young children first because they are more liable to have an infection. [They are] the more at-risk group we would want to address first," he said.

He advised schools to ensure precautions for study tours and called on all people to have medical insurance before they travel. Those who are sick should not travel.

"It is important all stakeholders, particularly school management, understand the risks and get everything prepared before [any outbreak happens]," Dr Chow said.

The Department of Health said there were five new flu cases reported today needing further tests.