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2009-H1N1 Influenza Outbreak Information
Note to Parents Regarding the Possibility of H1N1-related School Closures:
Some schools have already faced closure this fall due to H1N1 outbreaks. Current government protocols call for school closures when the sick leave rate reaches 10 percent, or one percent of students are hospitalized with H1N1, or two or more students are in intensive care, or the death of an otherwise healthy student. With the increasingly rapid spread of H1N1 cases, we can expect additional school closures if current pandemic mitigation protocols remain in effect.
H1N1 Arrival Screening, Quarantine and Treatment Facilities:
Hong Kong and Macau have instituted procedures for border authorities to screen for the possibility of influenza among passengers on arriving international flights. Arriving travelers will be required to submit a health declaration form and pass through a thermal-scanning checkpoint. Temperature readings are then taken from fixed-position infrared monitors that do not make any contact with the traveler.
Travelers to Hong Kong found to have a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or who exhibit mild flu symptoms will be briefly assessed and advised to seek medical consultation from public clinics or hospitals if symptoms become severe. Only seriously ill patients will be admitted to hospitals.
Travelers to Macau who have H1N1 influenza symptoms, or who have been in close contact with someone confirmed to have H1N1 Influenza will now be given the option to undergo home quarantine rather than in a hospital or isolation facility. Travelers will be admitted to the hospital only if confirmed to have the H1N1 virus.
In Hong Kong, individuals who are experiencing flu symptoms may go to one of the Hong Kong government's Designated Flu Clinics to be tested for the H1N1 virus. Only high risk groups (pregnant women, elderly, etc.) will receive Tamiflu and only seriously ill patients will be admitted to hospitals.
In Macau, medical evaluation and treatment are available to those experiencing flu symptoms at the Hospital Centre S. Januario (HCSJ) or one of the Health Bureau's Health Centres. See the Health Bureau website for a list of locations.
A list of private doctors and hospitals can also be found on our website at Lists of Medical Providers in Hong Kong and Macau web page.
If you are ordered into quarantine, please immediately contact the U.S. Consulate by calling our 24-hour emergency telephone number (852) 2523-9011, or by calling (852) 2841-2211, 2841-2323 or 2841-2225 during regular business hours.
For further information about the H1N1 Outbreak, please see Pandemic Flu web page.
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American Citizens Services
