Flu-fight plan: Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow briefs consular officials.

Hong Kong has been vigilantly preparing for a possible influenza pandemic, working to minimise the risk of an avian flu outbreak, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says.

He today briefed more than 50 consular officials on the Government's preparedness and listened to their concerns.

The main aspects of the preparedness plan are early identification of the pandemic; early treatment of patients; timely research on the emerging virus; and measures to control human contact with the virus.

Regional co-operation

Hong Kong can detect early infection in the community and will help nearby places establish their diagnosis.

"If assistance is needed in contingency planning, Hong Kong stands ready to work with our neighbours and international organisations," he said.

Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Carrie Yau said the Government has put in place a three-level response system for any flu pandemic.