Director of Health issues isolation order [Hong Kong - SARS]

Hong Kong Department of Health ^ | 3/31/03 | Unknown

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Director of Health issues isolation order

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Director of Health, Dr Margaret Chan, has ordered Block E of Amoy Garden in Ngau Tau Kok, Kowloon Bay, to be isolated for a period of 10 days starting from 6 am this morning (March 31) to prevent the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (commonly known as atypical pneumonia), a Government spokesman said.

The decision was taken because of the continued steep rise in the number of cases of infection in the building in the past few days.

The order, designed to protect the health of residents and the community as a whole, was issued under the authority granted under Section 24 of the Prevention of the Spread of Infectious Diseases Regulations, Cap. 141.

The order requires residents of Block E of Amoy Garden to remain in their flats until midnight on April 9.

During the isolation period, no one will be allowed to enter or leave the premises without express permission in writing of a health officer.

Medical personnel from the Department of Health will visit residents' homes to conduct health inspections for them. Residents will be provided three meals a day free of charge. They will also receive help and advice to conduct thorough cleansing and disinfection of their flats. Staff of the Home Affairs Department will be briefing residents on the detailed arrangements to take care of their daily needs.

"We do understand that the measures that we have now taken will cause residents great inconvenience. But because of the very special circumstances that we now face, we have no choice but resort to this exceptional measure and we sincerely ask for residents' forbearance, understanding and support in joining the community's fight against this disease.'' the spokesman said.

End/Monday, March 31, 2003

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Prevention of Atypical Pneumonia

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A serious if isolated outbreak demonstrates that a very rapid spread is a definite possiblity.