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Flu Pandemic Information
The following is provided as a guide for Australian citizens in Hong Kong and Macau. It is recommended that you seek detailed information regarding Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Planning from online resources or telephone numbers provided in the Information Resources section.
Situation Update
In response to the development of Human Swine Influenza, the Hong Kong Hospital Authority has set up designated flu clinics to provide medical treatment to persons presenting flu like symptoms.
Level of Emergency
The World Health Organisation is currently at phase six of its influenza pandemic alert – the highest level.
Individual governments – in this case the Hong Kong and Macau Governments - will alert residents of their own response to the pandemic and we encourage you to regularly check this information either by monitoring local media or online:
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Hong Kong |
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24 Hour Enquiry line: (852) 2125 1111 |
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Macau |
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Influenza Pandemic Enquiry Hotline (853) 2856 1122 |
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Australia |
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| +61 8 840 288 33 (toll free outside Australia) |
Australian Government Response
The Australian Government takes this matter very seriously and has planned and prepared for this type of scenario. When situations like the outbreak of swine influenza occur, they are monitored closely by the Australian Health Protection Committee which is made up of experts and officials from around the country, including the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer.
Up to date information on the outbreak is published online by the Department of Health and Ageing, and for people living or travelling overseas on the Smartraveller website.
The Australian Consulate-General in Hong Kong will also disseminate information so that you can make informed decisions about how you prepare for, or respond to any influenza pandemic, including whether you make the personal decision to leave any affected area. This information will be directly related to the level of risk in our region. The information may be about the current outbreak or any future pandemics, including any potential avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak.
What Can You Do?
As with any emergency, being well prepared is essential. In addition to the measures outlined in the Information Resources section of this update, we highly recommend that people living in Hong Kong and Macau:
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Register online – online registration enables us to keep you informed of developments and helps us to contact you in any emergency situation when you are living overseas or travelling. Register here: http://www.orao.dfat.gov.au/
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Travel advice – check the general Swine Influenza update and current travel advice for any country you are planning to visit: www.smartraveller.gov.au
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Insurance – ensure you and your family’s health and travel insurance is up to date
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Keep travel documents current – in the event that you plan to evacuate yourself or your family from any affected area you will need to ensure your travel documents are up to date – passports should be replaced at least six months before the expiry date. (Embassies or Consulates may have difficulty in maintaining normal consular services in the event of a severe influenza pandemic negating the ability to obtain emergency passports)
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Remain alert to advice issued by local government authorities
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Observe personal hygiene precautions:
• Clean hands frequently
• Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes
• Put on a mask and see a doctor or your nearest hospital if you have flu symptoms
• Maintain indoor ventilation and keep the home/environment clean -
Prepare your own contingency plans - including any plans for self-evacuation or maintaining emergency medical and survival supplies (including non-perishable food and water) within your home. More details can be found in the Information Resources section. Check the Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection’s “8 steps to protect yourself” or the Australian Government’s “Preparing for Pandemic Influenza”
We’re here to help
In Hong Kong or Macau, call (852) 2827 8881. Remember, if you are in southern China, you must contact the Australian Consulate-General Guangzhou (86) 20 38140111.
If you require consular assistance anywhere else overseas, contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. Contact details for the nearest Australian mission are also shown in the final section of the Smartraveller advisory for each country. Alternatively, you can contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra on +61 2 6261 3305.