American Citizens Services Newsletter

Warden Message from the U.S. Consulate Hong Kong on Influenza Outbreak

As you may know, last night (March 12, 2008), the Secretary for Food and Health for the Hong Kong SAR government announced that all primary schools, kindergartens, and nursery schools would start their Easter Break from today for two weeks as a precautionary measure against the spread of influenza (also known as "flu") in schools. The Hong Kong SAR government has emphasized to us that this is only a precautionary measure. At present, there is no indication that there is any significant change of the virus that makes it exceptionally more virulent than the usual influenza virus.

We recommend that you follow Hong Kong SAR government advice to take normal precautions against influenza, including maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene, and building up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.

For up to date information about the influenza situation, please consult the Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection's Daily Update of Influenza Situation, available on its website at http://www.chp.gov.hk/index.asp?lang=en.

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This warden message was published by the American Citizens Services Unit, U.S. Consulate General, Hong Kong, tel: 2841-2211, 2841-2323, 2841-2225; fax: 2845-4845; e-mail: questions@hongkongacs.com; website: http://hongkong.usconsulate.gov; All services by online appointment only.

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Last modified: March 13, 2008