Chairman’s Announcement (17 December 2009)  

The Hong Kong Government will conduct Human Swine Influenza Vaccination Programme to provide free/subsidized human swine influenza (HSI) vaccine to the following five target groups:

Vaccination is one of the effective ways to prevent HSI and its serious complications. It usually takes about 2 weeks for immunity to develop in the body and provide protection against the HSI virus. HSI vaccine can be administered at the same time as the seasonal influenza shot and/or other vaccines.

Non-target group can get vaccination from a private doctor enrolled in HSIVSS, and pay for the full cost. The Government will not provide subsidy. The Centre for Health Protection website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) will list the names of private doctors enrolled in HSIVSS and the fees charged by them. The Health Clinic at the Chinese University of Hong Kong is not a registered clinic under HSIVSS, thus HSI vaccination will not be provided. However, referral letter can be obtained for vaccination if individual belongs to one of the groups listed above.

Chairman’s Announcement (27 November 2009)  

CHPP would like to remind the University community to adopt personal and environmental hygiene measures to guard against influenza and upper respiratory tract infection.  There has been increasing influenza activity in the Northern Hemisphere in the past few weeks, with the human swine influenza (H1N1) becoming the dominant influenza strain worldwide.  Locally, the activity of human swine influenza (H1N1) has remained stable as reported by the Centre for Health Protection.  We should be vigilant of the early arrival of winter flu season.   Majority cases of human swine influenza (H1N1) infections are relatively mild, but there are also reports of severe cases of swine flu involving young children, adults and people with and without chronic medical conditions.   

CHPP would like to remind staff and students that it is important to observe personal protective measures such as handwashing and respiratory precautions both in Hong Kong and while staying abroad.  Take note of personal health condition, have adequate rest, a balanced diet, regular exercise and reduce stress.  Wear a mask when respiratory tract infection symptoms or fever develop and seek medical care immediately.  

The annual seasonal influenza vaccination for this year (A/Brisbane H1N1; A/Brisbane H3N2; B/Brisbane) is now available at the University Health Service at the cost price of HK$100.  CHPP will liaise with the Government’s Department of Health on the latest availability on swine flu vaccine and prioritization for target groups, should the vaccine be obtainable.

Chairman’s Announcement (24 September 2009)  

Human Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1) is still very active in local community as shown by the growing number of daily new cases reported in recent weeks.  A number of primary and secondary schools were advised by the Department of Health to suspend classes due to influenza-like illness outbreaks in schools.

CHPP and the University Health Service have been keeping close watch on the trend of influenza-like illness and confirmed H1N1 cases on campus.  UHS received report of 10 confirmed cases of H1N1 from September 1 to 16.  The students and staff concerned were given sick leave and their departments and student hostels had been notified.  They have all recovered.

As the winter influenza peak season approaches, it is expected the influenza disease activity will continue to be at a high level in the coming months.  It is therefore important that we should remain vigilant and practice good personal and environmental hygiene to prevent the spread of virus.  Wash hands frequently.  Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.  Maintain good ventilation.  Wear a mask if you have influenza-like symptoms and see a doctor.  CHPP will continually monitor the latest development of the disease and keep the University community informed. 

Students and staff are welcome to join the health promotion activities to be organized by the University Health Service:

Chairman’s Announcement (4 September 2009)  

Dear Students and Colleagues,

On behalf of the Committee on Health Promotion and Protection (CHPP), I would like to extend my warmest welcome to you all at the start of a new academic year. 

In the past few months, human swine flu A H1N1 virus has transmitted widely in local community and across the world.  So far, the disease severity is relatively mild in majority of cases.  However it may cause severe illness to people with chronic diseases.  CHPP has been keeping a close watch of infection cases in campus and put in place various precautionary arrangements and guidelines to control its spread.  Hand sanitizing stations have been installed in student hostels and main buildings around campus.  Stocking of masks, disinfectants and personal protective gears are underway.  Cleaning in hostels and campus buildings is maintained at a heightened level.

There are simple ways that we can protect ourselves and others from acquiring or spreading the virus.  Keep hands clean.  Cover cough and sneezes.  Wear a mask if fever or respiratory symptoms occur and see a doctor.  If you are confirmed with human swine flu, please report to the University Health Service (tel. 2609-6006, email:pauline-kan@cuhk.edu.hk).  UHS will monitor any occurrence of infection clusters or outbreak. 

CHPP had met regularly over the past few months to reinforce and implement various preventive measures and action plans.  Multiple briefing sessions had been held for staff, students, college staff and hostel wardens, O’Camp organizers and frontline target groups on prevention of H1N1.  CHPP will continue to monitor the latest developments and will implement any necessary preventive measures.  Please visit the CHPP human swine flu webpage for latest update on preventive measures for staff and students, hostel resident students, hostel wardens, confirmed patients, close contacts, activity organizers, information of human swine flu and the Chairman’s Announcement. 

Remember, you can protect yourself by keeping your hands clean and maintaining health with balanced diet, exercise and getting enough sleep.

We wish you a fruitful, safe and happy time at CUHK.

Chairman
Committee on Health Promotion and Protection

Chairman’s Announcement (25 August 2009)  

In view of that fact that a number of students were infected with Influenza A H1N1 during the faculty/departmental orientation camps, the University has stepped up the preventive measures for the upcoming College O’Camp, as well as cleaning and disinfection work to guard against the disease.  Meetings have been held by Office of Student Affairs and Joint Committee on New Student Orientation with O’Camp student organizers on implementation of these enhanced measures.  To reiterate the importance of enforcement of preventive measures to provide better health protection for all participants, an email has been sent to all freshmen by Chairman of Joint Committee on New Student Orientation today (appended herewith). 

* * * * * * * * * *
Dear New Students,

Welcome to the CUHK family!  I believe that many of you are preparing for tomorrow’s College Orientation Camps, and some of you may be worrying about the Influenza A H1N1 situation at the same time.

In preparation for the College O’Camps, the Committee on Health Promotion and Protection (CHPP) and the Joint Committee on New Student Orientation (JCNSO) have reviewed and stepped up preventive measures for the O’Camps.  They include:

• Face masks, antiseptic gels and thermometers are made available at student hostels
  
• Distribute antiseptic gels to encourage good hand hygiene
  
• Participants are urged to take own body temperature before attending the O’Camp.  Temperature check will also be conducted upon check-in to student hostels, and two times every day during the O’Camp
  
• Maintain good ventilation for indoor activities and avoid overcrowded situations
  
• Organizers are urged to avoid activities that will increase risk of droplet transmission
  
• If influenza symptoms develop, no matter how mild it is, wear a mask and seek medical attention promptly and refrain from joining any activity immediately

Moreover, a 24-hour task force providing emergency medical support on handling of possible clustering or outbreak of Influenza A H1N1 will be formed during the College O’Camp period.

The aforesaid measures aim to further strengthen environmental hygiene and to provide better health protection to our students.  Above all, you are reminded to practise good personal hygiene, take adequate rest and have quality sleep to maintain good immunity.

Detailed guidelines on prevention of Influenza A H1N1 are available on the website of Orientation for New Students. You are requested to pass on these information to your parents so that they would feel more comfortable to let you join the O’Camps.

If you have further enquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact the Secretariat of the JCNSO at tel. 2609-8574, the University Health Service at tel. 2609-6006, or the respective Colleges.

Wish you a fruitful O’Camp!

Edwin Chan H. Y.
Chairman of Joint Committee on New Student Orientation
25th August, 2009

Chairman’s Announcement (20 August 2009)  

Dear Students and Colleagues,

Stepped-up Preventive Measures for College Orientation Camps

More than 40 faculty/departmental orientation camps were held in two phases involving some 5000 students (old and new) on August 10-16.  After receiving reports from the organizers, there were a total of 30 participants confirmed having contracted with human swine flu (influenza A H1N1) during that period.  The affected students had mild symptoms and were advised to stay at home for rest and treatment.  Enhanced cleaning and disinfection had been carried out at the locations concerned. 

In preparation for the College Orientation Camps to be held in the coming week, the Committee on Health Promotion and Protection has reviewed and strengthened the recommended preventive measures for O’Camps .  These include:

• Face masks, antiseptic gels and thermometers are made available at student hostels. 
  
• Organizers are urged to observe health and safety precautions in designing games and avoid activities that will increase risk of droplet transmission. 
  
• Participants are urged to take own body temperature before attending the O’Camp.  They should not join the camp if having fever or feeling sick.  Temperature check will also be conducted upon check-in to student hostels.
  
• Practice good hand hygiene. Use antiseptic gels to disinfect both hands before and after an activity.  Antiseptic gels are provided at activity venues.
• Maintain good ventilation for indoor activities and avoid overcrowded situations.
  
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle.  Take adequate rest and sleep to maintain good immunity.
  
• If influenza symptoms develop, no matter how mild it is, wear a mask and seek medical attention promptly and refrain from joining any activity immediately.

Moreover, 24-hour emergency medical support on handling of possible clustering or outbreak of H1N1 is available during the College O’Camp period.  Detail arrangements will be communicated with the O’Camp student organizers.

Meetings will be arranged with all the O’Camp student organizers to reinforce the stepped-up preventive measures, further discuss the contingency plans and considerations on suspension of activities to prevent possible spread of infection.  Cleaning and disinfection will continue to be maintained at a high level at student hostels and on campus.  Since the human swine flu virus has been prevalent in the local community, it is important that we shall observe good personal and environmental hygiene; wash hands frequently; cover cough and sneezes; seek medical attention promptly if influenza symptoms appear and wear a mask to prevent the spread of virus. 

More preventive recommendations can be found on our Human Swine Flu webpage.  For enquiries related to the University’s preventive measures, please contact the UHS at tel. 2609-6006. 

Chairman 
Committee on Health Promotion and Protection  

Chairman’s Announcement (19 August 2009)  

The two phases of Faculty/Departmental Orientation (Small O) Camps including over 40 departments and programmes had been completed last week. There were a total of over 5000 students (old and new) participated in the camp. Eight students were reported to have infected with human swine flu (influenza A H1N1) in the first phase of August 10-13 and there are a number of additional confirmed cases in the second phase of August 13-16. The affected students had mild symptoms and were advised to stay home for rest and treatment.

In light of the coming College Orientation (Big O) Camps to be held from August 26 to 29, CHPP held a number of meetings and an additional urgent meeting today. All the preventive measures will be stepped up and reinforced. Hygiene of the hostels, temperature screening and provision of supportive mask, antiseptic gels would be enhanced. Meetings will also be arranged with all the O’Camp student organizers to remind, discuss on further details vigilant measures, adjustment of O’Camp activities, communication, monitoring and contingency plans in the coming 2 days. Additional guidelines and details would be announced very soon to all the organizers, colleges and the University community.

As human swine flu virus is highly contagious and spreads in the same way as ordinary colds and flu through droplets and surface contacts and the virus can survive on flat surfaces for up to 48 hours, it is absolutely important that we shall observe good personal and environmental hygiene; wash hands frequently; cover cough and sneezes; keep the environment clean and maintain good ventilation; avoid visiting crowded or poorly-ventilated places. If flu symptoms develop, no matter how mild it is, wear a mask and seek medical attention promptly and avoid joining any mass activities immediately.

Chairman’s Announcement (31 July 2009)  

This year’s International Summer School and Summer Institute will be concluded by this weekend.  No new human swine flu case is detected since the last reported one on 17 July.  All the affected students have fully recovered.  We would like to express our sincere thanks to all students, teachers and colleagues of the Colleges, University Health Service, Estates Management Office, Office of Academic Links and Office of Summer Programmes for working together to control the spread of human swine flu virus in campus in the past few weeks.  The CHPP would like to extend our congratulations and farewell to the over 600 graduating students of the International Summer School and near 200 students of the Summer Institute.

In the coming August, there will be many orientation activities organized by various offices, student organizations, Departments and Colleges for welcoming new students before the start of the academic year in September.  Since there will be quite a lot of students attending these activities, briefing sessions will be conducted for O’Camp organizers and all hostel colleagues on the prevention and various recommended preventive measures of human swine flu (influenza A H1N1).  Activity organizers and participants are urged to observe good hygiene practices and strictly follow the Guidelines for Organisers of Activities on Campus and personal hygiene care.  

Chairman’s Announcement (21 July 2009)

CHPP would like to report that in the past week, there has been 1 confirmed case of human swine flu (influenza A H1N1) reported at International Summer School. The student, who returned from a trip to Bangkok, has shown mild symptoms and is now undergoing medical treatment and in self-isolation. The student is expected to complete the treatment later this week.

In a bid to reduce the possibility of cross infection in classes, the International Summer School had converted to webcast teaching mode during the past week. It has resumed to normal lecture mode starting on 20 July. The following precautionary measures will continue to be implemented:

• Students are required to wear a mask in classes and have their temperature taken before entering the classrooms.
• Larger classrooms are used and students are assigned with fixed seating arrangements to allow more space among them.
• Adequate supply of masks and alcohol-based hand rubs are provided in classrooms.

The Summer Institute 2009, a two-week on-campus residential programme for high-school students, has commenced on 17 July. The above precautionary measures will be adopted, and students have been advised to observe good personal and hand hygiene practices.

The Education Bureau made an announcement yesterday about arrangements for commencement of new school year under the latest development of human swine influenza. Revised indicators for school suspension, criteria for medication treatment for patients, as well as adjustment of designated flu clinics service were also announced at a Government press conference yesterday. Please refer to the Government news report at http://www.news.gov.hk/en/category/atschool/090720/html/090720en02001.htm for details.

Although the majority of human swine flu patients have relatively mild symptoms, there have been a number of severe cases associated with persons belonging to high-risk groups including chronic diseases or immuno-compromised patients, elderly people, young children, smokers and obese people. While so far severe infection is still rare among healthy adults, it is important to maintain vigilance and practise good personal and environmental hygiene. CHPP will continue to monitor the latest developments of human swine influenza and maintain close communication with the Centre for Health Protection.

Chairman’s Announcement (14 July 2009)

CHPP would like to report that no International Summer School (ISS) student who stay on campus has been tested positive for human swine flu (influenza A H1N1) on 12 and 13 July.  The first two cases confirmed last week have completed their medical treatments and are released from observation today after seeing the doctor at UHS.  The other confirmed cases will be released from observation in their designated isolation rooms later this week after they have completed the treatment cycle and checked by doctors at UHS.

About 300 ISS students who stay on campus attended 4 information sessions conducted by a medical team led by Dr. Scotty Luk, Director of University Health Service (UHS) on 10, 11 and 13 July.  As a precautionary measure to prevent cross infection among the ISS students, prophylaxis arrangement was made available to them on a voluntary basis.

To reduce the probability of cross infection in classes, ISS has changed its class to a webcast mode for this week.  ISS students are not required to go to classrooms and lectures will be relayed real time via internet to their computers.  We ran 8 parallel sessions of real time webcasting this morning and another 7 parallel sessions this afternoon.  At peak time there were almost 400 computers logged on to the webcasting system at the same time. 

Chairman’s Announcement (11 July 2009)

CHPP would like to report that 3 more International Summer School (ISS) students who stay on campus have been tested positive for human swine flu (influenza A H1N1) on 10 July. They all have mild symptoms and are now receiving medical treatments. They have been arranged to stay at the designated isolation area of Grace Tien Hall of New Asia College for self-isolation until they are fully recovered. Special assistance will be provided to these students during the isolation period. Cleaning and disinfection of facilities of the concerned premises have been stepped up.

CHPP core group has held discussions with staff members of the Centre for Health Protection and infection control specialists of Prince of Wales Hospital. As a precautionary measure to prevent cross infection among the ISS students, prophylaxis arrangement is made available to them on a voluntary basis. Information sessions by a medical team led by Dr. Scotty Luk, Director of University Health Service (UHS), were conducted on 10 and 11 July to brief the ISS students about the latest situation and explain the prophylaxis arrangement. The students have been reminded to step up personal hygiene and take careful precautions to prevent acquiring the infection. If they are sick, they should seek medical attention immediately and inform UHS.

To reduce the probability of further cross infection affecting more students, ISS will change its class mode to a webcast mode for next week. ISS students are not required to go to classrooms and lectures will be relayed real time via internet to their computers at hostel rooms during the scheduled class time. Depending on the disease development, regular classes may be resumed after the coming week if the situation is improved.

CHPP will maintain close liaison with the Centre for Health Protection and appropriate contingency measures will be adopted to combat this disease.

Chairman’s Announcement (9 July 2009)

CHPP would like to report that four overseas students who are attending the International Summer School and living in Grace Tien Hall, New Asia College were confirmed to have infected with human swine flu (influenza A H1N1) by the Department of Health. All of them have mild symptoms and are now receiving medical treatments.  They are at present arranged to stay in the Special Purpose Residence at University Health Centre for self-isolation and not allowed to go to classes until the treatment cycle is completed next week.

Staff members of the Centre for Health Protection were invited to pay a visit to Grace Tien Hall yesterday.  Cleaning and disinfection of facilities at Grace Tien Hall have been stepped up.  Students of International Summer School have been notified of the situation and they will have their temperature checked before entering classrooms.  They will also wear face masks when they are in the classrooms until next Tuesday if no further confirmed case is identified.  In the meantime, professors and students have been reminded to stay vigilant and maintain good personal and environmental hygiene practices.

CHPP will keep a close watch of the situation and maintain liaison with the Centre for Health Protection. We would like to remind the University community the importance of taking careful precautions to avoid being infected and to prevent the spread of the disease.

• Wash your hands frequently and properly and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
• Avoid visiting crowded or poorly-ventilated places. If you must do so, step up personal hygiene and put on a face mask.
• Wear facial mask if you develop fever or respiratory symptoms, and seek medical treatment immediately.

Chairman’s Announcement (26 June 2009)

The number of confirmed cases of human swine flu (influenza A H1N1) has seen a rapid increase in the past week in Hong Kong.  With the growing number of local cases, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has announced changing its strategy from the containment to mitigation phase. 

In order to reduce the risk of human swine flu transmission among students during the summer holiday, CHP has prepared a guideline on school functions and extra-curricular activities.  Activity organizers are advised to ensure provision of hand hygiene facilities, maintain good ventilation, use larger and spacious venue, implement crowd control measures, and follow good personal and environmental hygiene. The Guidelines for Organizers of Activities on Campus has been revised to incorporate these precautionary measures.  For participants who reside in hostel, please refer to the flowchart on health screening of participants attending summer programmes which is available at CHPP website.

Currently, all new comers and returning students to student hostels have to complete a health declaration form and take temperature checking when they check-in at student hostels. Daily temperature screening for hostel students is not considered necessary. However, students who are feeling unwell and have developed symptoms can approach the hostel reception to do a body temperature checking.  If they have fever > 38℃ and respiratory symptoms, they should wear a surgical mask and attend the Designated Flu Clinic or the Accident & Emergency Department of public hospitals.

Departments and activity organizers can approach the University Health Service for supplying safety kits to newly-arrived overseas students.  The safety kit, contains surgical masks, alcohol preps and oral thermometer, is available at cost price.  Surgical masks, alcohol preps and oral thermometer are available at any local dispensary. Masks can also be purchased at Souvenir Counter at John Fulton Centre.

The Student Counselling and Development Service of the Office of Student Affairs has prepared an article named “Strengthening Your Mind and Body Against the Human Swine Flu”. Please check on the above link for detail.

Chairman’s Announcement (18 June 2009)

CHPP would like to report that a resident of the university campus residence was confirmed to have infected with human swine flu (influenza A H1N1) yesterday by the Department of Health. The patient is a relative of our teaching staff and is now in stable condition at hospital. 

The Estates Management Office has carried out extensive cleansing and disinfection at the common areas of the concerned residence according to the Centre for Health Protection and our CHPP guidelines. CHPP will keep a close watch of the situation, and additional cleaning and precautionary measures will be provided as necessary.

In the meantime, we shall stay vigilant and maintain good personal and environmental hygiene practices. We will also take this opportunity to wish the relative of our staff to have a speedy recovery.

Chairman’s Announcement (16 June 2009)

Prevention of Human Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1)

In view of the recent outbreak of human swine flu in local community and the raising of pandemic alert by WHO to phase 6, the Committee on Health Promotion and Protection would like to urge the University community to be vigilant and observe good hygiene practices in prevention of the disease.

The Committee on Health Promotion and Protection (CHPP) held an urgent meeting on 15 June. As there are lots of student activities that will take place on campus and abroad during summer, CHPP would like to re-affirm the importance of maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene practices. Activity organizers are advised to observe the Guidelines for Organizers of Activities on Campus and Guidelines for Travelling Abroad and Returning to Hong Kong. In particular, organizing units should take note of the following measures:

• Inform participants of the preventive guidelines on the University’s human swine flu webpage.
  
• Advise participants not to join the activity if they are sick.
  
• Use a bigger venue to avoid over-crowded condition and ensure good ventilation.
• Consider to arrange temperature checking for participants of mass activities (especially if it is to be held in a crowded indoor environment).
  
• Provide adequate supply of masks and hand sanitizers in the venue for use by participants.

If your office will receive overseas guests or students coming to attend activities on campus:

• Provide your guests/students with information of the current alert level in Hong Kong and inform them of the preventive guidelines.
  
• Advise them to monitor their health condition and keep a daily record of body temperature for 7 days prior coming to Hong Kong.
  
• Remind them to postpone the trip if they have flu symptoms or fever.
  
• Advise them to wear a mask and check own body temperature for 7 days upon arrival if coming from an affected area.

Please note that anyone entering the student hostels will be required to have body temperature checked by hostel staff. All returning students and new comers to student hostels have to complete a health declaration form and take temperature checking when they check-in hostels. The University Health Service will follow up on any positive response that requires further medical check. For enquiries on the preventive measures, please contact Mrs. Pauline Kan of University Health Service at tel. 2609-6436. 

We wish to ask for the cooperation of colleagues and students in observing the preventive measures to guard against the disease. Please keep update of the advices and guidelines from the Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection , and visit the University’s Human Swine Flu webpage regularly on the latest update and preventive measures on campus.

Chairman’s Announcement (11 June 2009)

There has been increasing number of confirmed cases of human swine flu (influenza A H1N1) in Hong Kong. Today, the Department of Health has announced twelve confirmed cases of influenza A H1N1 infection of possible community-acquisition in a secondary school. The Committee on Health Promotion and Protection urges the University community to follow the health advice of the Centre of Health Protection, practise good personal and hand hygiene, wear a face mask when experiencing flu symptoms and seek medical attention immediately.

As a precautionary measure to prevent acquiring and spreading the disease, we recommend activity organizers to prepare adequate supply of masks and alcohol-based hand rubs in the venue for use by the participants. Advise the participants not to attend the function if they are feeling unwell. Please refer to the Guidelines for Organizers of Activities on Campus. Healthy kits which include an oral thermometer, disinfectant hand gel and face masks are available at University Health Service for ordering by departments. Please contact Mrs Pauline Kan at 2609 6436 for arrangement.

Returning students and new comers of student hostels are required to complete a health declaration form and take temperature checking when they check into hostels. Those returning from affected areas should wear a face mask, check and record own body temperature for 7 days. If fever or influenza-like symptoms appear, seek medical attention promptly. Please note the Guidelines for Travelling Abroad and Returning to Hong Kong.

Meetings of CHPP with Colleges and hostel wardens will be held on 17 and 18 June on more in-depth discussion of precautionary measures in student hostels.

Chairman’s Announcement (3 June 2009)

The Committee on Health Promotion and Protection is closely monitoring the development of swine flu locally and abroad. A core group of CHPP has met regularly in the past few weeks to discuss strengthening the precautionary measures. CHPP Information Coordinator, Mrs Pauline Kan, has been in touch with organizers of large-scale student activities on campus to advise them of the necessary preventive measures. Meetings will be arranged with Colleges and hostel wardens on anti-infection measures in student hostels.

One of our students returned from exchange in the United States had been identified by the Department of Health as having contracted Human Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1) on 29 May. The student returned to Hong Kong on 26 May and developed influenza-like symptoms on 28 May and was then treated at Princess Margaret Hospital and is now in good recovery. The student stayed at home and had not come back to campus after returning to Hong Kong. His family contacts were asymptomatic. Three other students were identified as close contact since they were on the same flight of confirmed human swine flu cases back to Hong Kong last month. They are all fine and asymptomatic.

Human swine flu is thought to spread mainly human-to-human through coughing or sneezing of infected people, or touching objects soiled with flu viruses and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes. Members of the University are further reminded of the importance of taking careful precautions to avoid being infected and also to prevent the spread of the disease.

• Wash your hands frequently and properly and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
• Wear facial mask if you develop fever or respiratory symptoms, and seek medical treatment immediately.

Please pay extra attention to the following health advices from our own CHPP webpage

• Travelling Abroad and Returning to Hong Kong;
• Organising Activities on Campus;

and also information from the Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection webpage.

Chairman’s Announcement (21 May 2009)

Summer Activities on Campus and Abroad

As summer vacation is approaching, summer camps, summer schools and student exchange activities will be organized on campus and abroad.  Globally, the Human Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1) infection is still epidemic in some countries and new cases are reported everyday.  The Committee on Health Promotion and Protection (CHPP) held a meeting yesterday with focus on precautionary measures which may benefit our organizing units to better evaluate the health risk before, during and after the activities.  A checklist is also prepared for organizers to assess the health risks associated with their outbound activities.

• Advice for risk assessment on organizing activities outside Hong Kong 
• Guidelines and checklist for travelling abroad and returning to Hong Kong 
• Guidelines and checklist for organisers of activities on campus 

CHPP would also like to remind colleagues on the following issues:

• Under the current University Mask Policy, mask wearing in public areas within campus compound is optional and is only compulsory in university health clinic. 
• Under the current Emergency Response Level, visitors are highly discouraged on the residential floors of College hostels.  However, to facilitate term-end removal and packaging, visitors are allowed to enter hostel area if they declare a good health status. (Temperature monitoring may be required before entering the hostel compound.)

A new dedicated webpage for human swine flu is launched at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/health_promote_protect/swineflu/index.html.  Comprehensive guidelines and preventive information on human swine flu will be updated regularly at this web page. 

The Government has revised measures for the management of close contacts of human swine flu cases.  A modified method of medical surveillance and chemo-prophylaxis will replace the previous quarantine one.  Please refer to the Government press release “Strategy for management of close contacts of human swine flu cases adjusted” on 20 May for details.

Chairman’s Announcement (13 May 2009)

As the spread of human swine flu is rapidly evolving around the world, the Secretary for Food and Health Dr. York Chow announced yesterday the government’s two-pronged public health strategies, containment measures and mitigation measures, to fight against the pandemic. The Government has refined the definition of close contacts and other contacts and strategies on how to handle them. For details, please refer to the Opening Remarks by SFH on human swine flu on 12 May 2009 (http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200905/12/P200905120236.htm).

The HKSAR Government has strongly advised residents to avoid all non-essential travel to human swine flu affected areas, particularly Mexico. To help prevent the spread of infectious disease, people are advised not to travel if they are sick. At yesterday’s press conference, the Secretary for Food and Health Dr. Chow urged overseas students who will return to Hong Kong for summer break to defer their journey if they feel sick. If they develop a fever on the plane, they should tell the aircrew so that port health officials can take care of them upon their arrival.

The Committee on Health Promotion and Protection (CHPP) would like to remind staff and students to observe good personal and environmental hygiene. The Office of Academic Links will notify our students on overseas exchange to observe their health status, and not to travel if they do not feel well or are sick. If they fall ill after returning Hong Kong, they should wear a mask and seek medical care immediately.

Centre for Health Protection:
Advice for travelers planning to visit areas affected by human swine influenza
http://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/Advice_to_travellers_eng_20090429.pdf
Daily update on human swine influenza
http://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/Daily_update_on_swine_influenza_bilingual.pdf

Committee on Health Promotion and Protection:
Guidelines for Outbound and Inbound Staff and Students
http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/health_promote_protect/sf_out_inbound.html
Guidelines for Organisers of Activities on Campus
http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/health_promote_protect/sf_activities_on_campus.html

Chairman’s Announcement (12 May 2009)

The Human Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1) virus continues to spread in many parts of the world. According to the WHO figures as of 12 May, 30 countries had reported 5,251 confirmed cases of infection, a majority of which was in North America (2,600 in USA, 2,059 in Mexico and 330 in Canada). Emergency Response Level of Influenza Pandemic alert is currently in effect in Hong Kong and in campus. The HKSAR Government has enhanced local surveillance of swine influenza at boundary control points as well as in the local community.

Two talks on prevention of Human Swine Flu held last week had been well-received by staff and students. The powerpoint file presented by Prof. Paul Chan, Department of Microbiology, is posted at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/health_promote_protect/doc/ppt_sf_may09.pdf. Another four talks specially arranged for College and Estates Management Office front-line staff, hostel management and canteen workers will be held on May 12, 13 and 19. To increase awareness about human swine flu prevention, a banner was added to the CUHK homepage and a dedicated webpage http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/health_promote_protect/h1n1.html created to keep the University community informed of the latest information and preventive measures on campus.

With the summer break coming, various summer activities will take place on campus and abroad. The Committee would like to remind staff and students to maintain a high level of personal and environmental hygiene, adopt a healthy lifestyle and pay attention to travel notice, health recommendations in relevant countries, and announcements by this Committee. Please take note the following advice when planning for a trip:

Travel Advice 

• Visit related websites, e.g. Centre for Health Protection (CHP), World Health Organization (WHO), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to know the current health situation of the area you intend to visit and pay attention to travel notice and health recommendations; 
• Postpone your trip if you have flu symptoms or fever; 
• Maintain good personal hygiene habits before and during travel; 
• Bring adequate surgical masks and alcohol-based hand cleaners; 
• When symptoms of respiratory tract infection and fever develop, seek medical advice promptly; 
• After returning from human swine flu affected area, wear a surgical mask for 7 days and closely monitor your health. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever or respiratory symptoms. 

Useful links:

• Centre for Health Protection:
  http://www.chp.gov.hk/view_content.asp?lang=en&info_id=16615
• Committee on Health Promotion and Protection
  http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/health_promote_protect/h1n1.html
• World Health Organization:
  http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
• USA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/?s_cid=swineFlu_outbreak_internal_001

Chairman’s Announcement (5 May 2009)

Dear Students and Colleagues,  

A) Travel Advice and Hosting International Guests/Students  

Human Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1) has now affected many parts of the world and the HKSAR Government had given advice to delay non-essential travel to these affected areas, particularly Mexico.  However, the coming summer months are also the peak season for student interflow and our committee had received quite a number of enquires concerning travelling abroad and hosting of students from various parts of the world.  As a result, our committee put up the following advises to our staff, students & activity organizers.  

Travel Advice 

• Visit related websites, e.g. Centre for Health Protection (CHP), World Health Organization (WHO), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to know the current health situation of the area you intend to visit and pay attention to travel notice and health recommendations; 
  
• Postpone your trip if you have flu symptoms or fever; 
  
• Maintain good personal hygiene habits before and during travel; 
  
• Bring adequate surgical masks and alcohol-based hand cleaners; 
  
• When symptoms of respiratory tract infection and fever develop, seek medical advice promptly; 
  
• After returning from Human Swine flu affected area, wear a surgical mask for 7 days and closely monitor your health. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever or respiratory symptoms. 

Hosting International Guests/Students  
Before they come 

• Alert your guests/students that the HKSAR had activated the Emergency Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan and advice them to get further information from our CHPP and Centre for Health Protection (CHP) webpage;  
• Remind your guests/students to observe personal hygiene during travelling; 
• Remind your guests/students to postpone or cancel the trip when they have flu symptoms or fever within 7 days before travelling to HKSAR. 

After they have arrived 

• Remind them to observe own health status and pay attention to personal hygiene; 
• Remind participant to wear facial mask if he/she has respiratory symptoms; 
• Maintain good ventilation for indoor activities and try to control the number of participants in any single event to avoid over-crowdedness;  
• If guests/students who come from affected areas develop fever or respiratory symptoms within 7 days after their arrival, advise them to wear a facial mask and attend Accident and Emergency Department of Prince of Wales Hospital or any Hospital Authority hospital for further clinical management.  

B) Guidelines issued by the Labour Department for Employers and Employee  

The University has adopted the guidelines issued by the Labour Department of HKSAR Government for employers and employees on the prevention of Influenza A H1N1. Please check and visit http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/health_promote_protect/doc/h1n1-workplace-guide.pdf for information concerning sick leave and absence from work.  

CHPP will monitor the development on human swine influenza continuously and will keep staff and students informed accordingly. 

Chairman’s Announcement (4 May 2009)

Dear students and colleagues,

The Committee on Health Promotion and Protection (CHPP) at today’s meeting has reviewed the preparedness of different units (including University Health Service, Estates Management Office, University Safety and Environment Office, etc.) at the current Emergency Response Level.  Preventive measures, cleaning and disinfection measures will be stepped up on campus under this heightened response level.

University Mask Policy

In response to many enquiries, CHPP would like to re-affirm the current University Mask Policy .  Staff and students should wear a mask if:

• they work or visit University Health Service and hospitals;
  
• they work at canteen kitchens;
  
• they have respiratory infection symptoms or have cared for patients with respiratory infection symptoms.

For students sitting for examination within the University compound, if they have respiratory symptoms or fever, they should wear facial masks in the examination venue.  Please note that:

1. Invigilators will remind any students turning up for examinations with respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, runny nose, coughing, etc.) or fever that they should wear facial masks during the examination session.
2. For students who have fever or respiratory symptoms, they may be required to sit in a separate row in the examination hall, at some room distance from the other students.

Talks on Human Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1)

With growing concern about the new strain of human swine influenza virus that is spreading in multiple areas of the world, CHPP is organizing two general talks for all staff and students and a number of specific workshops to front-line groups. 

Details of the general talk are as follows:

Human Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1) - What do we know about! What Preventive measures to take?    

CHPP would like to reiterate the importance of frequent hand washing and adherence to personal and environmental hygiene. CHPP will closely monitor the developments of human swine influenza locally and abroad. Please keep attention for updates at:

• Centre for Health Protection:
  http://www.chp.gov.hk/view_content.asp?lang=en&info_id=16615
• Committee on Health Promotion and Protection
  http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/health_promote_protect/index.html
• World Health Organization:
  http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
• USA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/?s_cid=swineFlu_outbreak_internal_001

Chairman, Committee on Health Promotion and Protection

Chairman’s Announcement (2 May 2009)

Dear students and colleagues, 

Upon confirmation of the first case of Influenza A (H1N1) (formerly called Swine Influenza) in Hong Kong, the HKSAR government has raised the pandemic alert level to Emergency. In parallel with the government's action, the Committee on Health Promotion and Protection of the University has also decided to raise its influenza alert level to Emergency. Stringent precautionary measures will be launched in the University Health Clinic. Cleaning and disinfection of public facilities on campus will be strengthened at a more frequent pace to ensure a clean environment.

Examination and student activities will not be affected for the time being but such changes can be expected if the influenza infectivity further increases. We expect some inconvenience as a result of the tightened precautionary measures but we also believe prior vigilance and control are better than remedies after the fact.

Again, I will encourage frequent washing of hands and observation of personal hygiene; they are of utmost importance in safeguarding our personal health and constitute a firewall for the entire healthy campus.

Thanks for your attention and I wish everybody good health.

Dr. Scotty Luk
Acting Chairman, Committee on Health Promotion and Protection
Director, University Health Service
2 May 2009

Chairman’s Announcement (29 April 2009)

Dear students and colleagues,

The recent epidemic of swine flu in Mexico had caused significant healthcare concerns around the world. I am writing to you about both our institutional response and the necessary individual response.

Institutional response

Our University always advocates and works towards a healthy campus environment; we take a positive and cautious attitude towards such health challenges. In response to the recent escalated influenza alert level, the Committee on Health Promotion and Protection (CHPP) has held an urgent meeting today. The Committee involves departments and units across multiple disciplines, and the meeting emphasized mutual cooperation, information management, hygienic measures in public area, personal hygiene advices and infection control in the event of contingencies. It was a fruitful and collaborative meeting and the standing action plan was discussed and updated. Public talks will be launched shortly and health pamphlets will be distributed to step up the awareness of this influenza disease and its prevention.

For the University, it is of paramount importance to ensure that all students and staff can study and work in a healthy environment. CHPP, together with the University administration, will act together to prepare for and implement different anti-infection measures and health-care counseling.

Individual response

At the same time, every individual member of the University can help contribute to a healthy campus – and health protection for oneself – by observing some simple guidelines:

• Wash your hands frequently and properly and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
• Wear facial mask if you develop fever or respiratory symptoms. Do not go to work or school and seek medical advice promptly.

If you plan for a trip:

• Pay attention to travel notice and health recommendations announced in relevant countries, WHO and CDC web pages.
• Delay or postpone your trip if you have flu symptoms or fever.
• Observe personal hygiene during travel and closely monitor your health status for 7 days after return; if fever or flu symptom developed, seek medical care immediately.

Again, let’s work together to make sure that our campus is clean and all members of the University stay healthy.

Dr. Scotty Luk
Acting Chairman, Committee on Health Promotion and Protection
Director, University Health Service

Chairman’s Announcement (27 April 2009)

Swine Influenza - Serious Response Level Activated

In response to cases of swine influenza A(H1N1) reported in Mexico and the United States, the World Health Organization has declared the current situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, and considered it a potential pandemic threat. WHO also asked all countries to step up reporting and surveillance of the disease, as airports around the world are screening travellers from Mexico for flu symptoms. As a result, the Committee on Health Promotion and Protection (CHPP) has stepped up our response level to Serious.

The clinical symptoms of swine influenza are similar to seasonal influenza like fever, headache, sore throat and coughing. If you have developed respiratory diseases within 7 days after returning from affected areas, you should put on masks and seek medical advice immediately.

Precautionary measures include:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
  
• Wash your hands frequently with liquid soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.
  
• Avoid contact with sick people.

Our five exchange students in Mexico are reported to be free of diseases and have been in close contact with us. Arrangements have also been made for their earlier return to Hong Kong.

CHPP is keeping close contact with the Centre for Health Protection (CHP). Preventive measures are being stepped up. Please keep attention to the CHPP website for latest information.

For more information on swine influenza, please refer to the following websites:

• Centre for Health Protection:
  http://www.chp.gov.hk/view_content.asp?lang=en&info_id=16615
  
• World Health Organization:
  http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
  
• USA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/?s_cid=swineFlu_outbreak_internal_001

Chairman’s Announcement (3 February 2009)

The threat of H5N1 to human health still exists as there have been eight human avian influenza cases detected in the Mainland since January.  Five of the victims died.  The affected provinces/cities include Hunan, Guangxi, Guizhou, Xinjiang, Shandong, Shanxi and Beijing.

Locally in Hong Kong, twelve bird carcasses were found nearby on Lantau Island since 29 January.  Laboratory tests on three of the dead birds reported positive for H5 virus.  Eighteen people who had been exposed to the dead birds are under medical surveillance.  

Chairman’s Announcement (21 January 2009)

Five human cases of avian influenza H5N1 have been reported so far this year (four in China and one in Egypt). The recent cases in the mainland occurred in Shandong, Hunan, Shanxi and Beijing. Some of the victims had exposure to sick and dead poultry.

In Hong Kong, a 2-month-old baby girl was confirmed to have contracted avian influenza A (H9N2) on 30 December 2008. The girl was living in Shenzhen during the incubation period. She was in stable condition in hospital.

The Serious Response Level is still in effect in Hong Kong. With the approach of the Lunar New Year, many people are expected to travel to the mainland and overseas. In this high-risk season of influenza and avian influenza, it is important to maintain good practice of personal and environmental hygiene. Wash hands frequently. Eat only thoroughly cooked poultry and eggs. Avoid contact with poultry, especially dead ones. If you develop any symptom of influenza-like illnesses, consult doctors immediately. Please also beware of other food-borne diseases such as hepatitis A and typhoid. Vaccinations are available at University Health Service at cost price. For more information, please contact Mrs. Pauline Kan of University Health Service (tel: 2609 6346; email: pauline-kan@cuhk.edu.hk).