Swine flu in Hong Kong has become a major concern, with citizens concerned about a repeat of the nightmarish and deadly SARS outbreak. The city has hit the headlines around the world for its stingent reaction to the disease, giving the impression to prospective travellers that the outbreak of swine flu in Hong Kong is much worse than is actually is. Below, we look at the real facts.
Is It Safe to Travel to Hong Kong?
It’s up to each individual to assess the situation in Hong Kong and make a personal decision about travelling to the city. However, what we can do is provide you with the facts to help you make that decision. Hong Kong has, so far, just two confirmed cases of swine flu. These two cases involve people who contracted the disease abroad, in Mexico and the US respectively. There have been no confirmed cases of swine flu contracted locally. In comparison to Hong Kong’s two, the US has 4000 and the UK has 80 confirmed case of swine flu. (We will update Hong Kong figures as we receive them)
Will I Get Swine Flu in Hong Kong?
The figures above show that Hong Kong has been spared the worst of the swine flu outbreak, but there is reason for concern. One of the reasons the Hong Kong government and Hong Kongers are so worried about swine flu is because of the city’s previous encounters with infectious disease; both SARS and, to a lesser extent, bird flu caused many deaths in Hong Kong. The reason Hong Kong is so badly affected is because the city is so densely populated, so infectious diseases, such as swine flu, do spread very quickly.
What Is Hong Kong Doing to Prevent the Spread of Swine Flu?
Hong Kong’s previous experience with SARS means there are many measures in place to prevent the spread of disease. Lift buttons, escalator handrails and bus seats are all disinfected often, sometimes as often as every hour, and you’ll find soap dispensers in most building lobbies and at shopping mall receptions. Many Hong Kongers also wear face masks when feeling ill, to prevent the spread of their germs. The Hong Kong Government has indicated that schools, restaurants and public transport will be rapidly shut should swine flu start to spread. Hong Kong Immigration is also taking measures to combat the disease (see below). It’s fair to say that the Hong Kong government is doing more to prevent the spread of swine flu than any other in the world.
What Should I Expect When Arriving at Hong Kong Immigration?
Hong Kong is stepping up checks for swine flu at border points. The city already conducts checks on arriving travellers via infra red scanners that look for elevated body temperature; these checks will be intensified. Officials are also questioning travellers arriving from the US and Mexico about their recent travels and health history. All travellers arriving in Hong Kong should expect small delays clearing immigration.
I’m Worried I’ll be Quarantined at a Hong Kong Hotel
The Hong Kong government has stated that it will not quarantine large groups of people, as they did with the 300 guests at the Metropark Hotel. They may, however, prevent air travel if an outbreak occurs.
