The Mai Po Nature Reserve will be closed for 21 days after a dead Peregrine Falcon infected with the H5 virus was found earlier this month.

Speaking after chairing the Inter-Departmental Action Co-ordinating Committee today, Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Carrie Yau said the Government will review the situation in mid-April.

The committee has checked the Government's precautionary measures against avian influenza and related public education efforts. It has also taken stock of the Government's overall preparedness in the light of the latest developments, including recent human avian influenza cases in Guangzhou and Shanghai.

Mrs Yau said the Government will step up its efforts in disease surveillance and public education, like launching new public interest announcements and conducting district-level briefings.