The Hong Kong Hospital Authority announced Thursday that a new
alert system for influenza pandemic will be implemented from July 1
to replace the existing one.
The new system comprising the "Alert Response Level", "Serious
Response Level", and "Emergency Response Level" is to replace the
three color-coded (Green/Yellow/Red) Alert System, which has been
used for two years by the Authority.
Following in-depth discussions and collation of views from
different clinical disciplines, the Authority decided to align with
the Government's existing three-tier alert mechanism for influenza
pandemic. Corresponding contingency measures will be implemented
according to the level of response and different scenario.
"The new mechanism will ensure the contingency plan will be
implemented with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
"It will also provide the Authority with greater flexibility in
implementing appropriate contingent measures to cope with the
different levels of risk assessment," Chairman of the Authority's
Central Committee on Infectious Disease Liu Shao-haei said.
Upon implementation of the new alert mechanism, the Authority
will activate the Alert Response Level currently activated by the
Government. Public hospitals will remain highly vigilant in
upholding stringent infection control measures in high risk
clinical areas, added Liu.
(Xinhua News Agency June 30, 2006)