Health, Safety and Environment Committee
Subsite Background

Alert on the Pneumonia Cases on Mainland

NOTICE

 

Ref. : HSE0001/19-20
To : All Staff & Students
From :

Angela Kwong, Secretary to the Health, Safety and Environment Committee 
Date : 2 January 2020 

 

Dear Colleagues and Students,

 

In view of a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, the University will remain vigilant on the latest developments. According to the latest press releases from the Centre for Health Protection, symptoms of identified cases in Wuhan were mainly fever while a few had presented with shortness of breath.

 

To prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infection, colleagues and students should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene and are advised to: 

  • Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes; after touching public installations such as handrails or door knobs; or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretion after coughing or sneezing.
  • Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel or hand dryer. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, hand hygiene with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub is an effective alternative.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly.
  • When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending class, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly.

 

Colleagues and students should take heed of the health advice below when travelling outside Hong Kong: 

  • Avoid touching poultry/birds or their droppings, and avoid visiting wet markets, live poultry markets or farms;
  • Avoid making close contact with patients, especially those with symptoms of acute respiratory infections;
  • Adhere to food safety and hygiene rules such as avoiding consuming raw or undercooked animal products, including milk, eggs and meat, or foods which may be contaminated by animal secretions, excretions (such as urine) or contaminated products, unless they have been properly cooked, washed or peeled.
  • If feeling unwell when outside Hong Kong, especially if having a fever or cough, wear a surgical mask, inform the hotel staff or tour escort and seek medical advice at once.
  • After returning to Hong Kong, consult a doctor promptly if having a fever or other symptoms, inform the doctor of recent travel history and wear a surgical mask to help prevent spread of the disease.

 

While the University will strengthen the cleaning and disinfection service in common areas, we need your co-operation and support to prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infection. If you are being suspected or confirmed infected, please notify the Central Notification Office of the Centre for Health Protection at 2477-2772 or us at 2616-8896 /2616-8859. 


Should you need more information, please visit the website of Centre for Health Protection at www.chp.gov.hk .

Thank you for your kind attention.

 

Best Regards
Angela Kwong

Secretary to the Health, Safety and Environment Committee