HONG KONG H1N1 UPDATE (5/4),9 AMCITS IN QUARANTINE

UNCLAS HONG KONG 000816 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR TFFLU01, CA/OCS/EP, M/PRI, SES-O, AAIT, OESIHA, MED, HHS FOR OGHA, CDC ATLANTA FOR CCID AND COUGH E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AEMR AMGT ASEC CASC KFLO KPAO KSAF MG PINR PREL, TBIO, HK, CH SUBJECT: HONG KONG H1N1 UPDATE (5/4),9 AMCITS IN QUARANTINE REF: HONG KONG 802 ¶1. (SBU) Hong Kong's Health Secretary York Chow briefed Hong Kong's Consular Corps members in a special meeting late May 4 to address concerns arising from the government's decision to quarantine approximately 240 foreign nationals (including 9 AMCITS) in Hong Kong, after a Mexican national in Hong Kong tested positive for H1N1. An unspecified number of Hong Kong residents are also under quarantine. Chow said that no individuals under quarantine had developed flu symptoms and all those linked to the positive H1N1 Mexican case will be released on May 8 at 20:30. Chow noted that intensified screening procedures now in use include inbound flight crew assistance in specifically identifying to health officials for special screening any passengers who show any sign of illness before they deplane. The HKG has also slightly intensified scrutiny/questioning of anyone with a North American passport. In response to repeated concerns by the approximately 75 Consular Corps representatives attending, Chow stated that the HKG will cover the transportation and lodging costs associated with the quarantine and is actively working to address complaints and otherwise assist travelers inconvenienced by the quarantine. ¶2. (SBU) The Mexican Consulate General for Hong Kong and Macau sent out an electronic message through their Consular Warden system to all Mexican nationals residing in Hong Kong informing them that a special aircraft will arrive in Hong Kong on May 5, 15:00 to assist them in returning to Mexico. Mexican nationals desiring such assistance were asked to immediately contact the Mexican Consulate General for additional details. ¶3. (SBU) Post has identified and is in contact with nine AMCITS currently under quarantine for proximity contact with the identified H1N1 contact in Hong Kong. Seven of the AMCITS were guest at the Metropark Hotel in Hong Kong's Wanchai District and are thus under quarantine there and two are at the Lady MacLehose Holiday Camp. All are reported to be in good heath and spirits and are in contact with the Consular Section. DONOVAN