Hong Kong International Airport announced yesterday it has put in place a series of measures for a potential avian flu outbreak.
To ensure the readiness of different parties in carrying out established public health control measures, the Airport Authority of Hong Kong is planning a drill in the middle of this month.
In the event there are infected persons on board an arriving aircraft, the plane will be isolated at a designated area and a medical team will attend to sick passengers. Further containment measures may also be applied to safeguard the public.
York Chow, Hong Kong Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, said that Tamiflu resistance to bird flu is minimal.
He said the World Health Organization and Hong Kong's Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (a disease transmissible from animals to humans) have both recommended stockpiles of Tamiflu as an antiviral drug for any influenza pandemic.
Asked if the government will implement immigration controls, Chow said health advice is provided to travelers departing for or arriving from countries affected by avian influenza.
"Passengers arriving through the airport are also required to undergo temperature checks. Those found to have a temperature are referred to medical posts for a more detailed checkup and, if necessary, admitted to hospital," he said.
Chow said the Government Influenza Vaccination Program covers people living in homes for seniors and those who are chronically ill.
This year it has been extended to cover people aged 65 or above who are on social security assistance. However, the government does not consider it appropriate to broaden eligibility for the program to all elderly people, Chow added.
The Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has stepped up bio-security measures at duck farms by requiring them to provide bird-proof facilities.