Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09HONGKONG816
2009-05-04 11:29:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Consulate Hong Kong
Cable title:
HONG KONG H1N1 UPDATE (5/4),9 AMCITS IN QUARANTINE
how-toVZCZCXRO5490 OO RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHVC DE RUEHHK #0816 1241129 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 041129Z MAY 09 FM AMCONSUL HONG KONG TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7539 INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHPH/CDC ATLANTA GA PRIORITY RHMFIUU/DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEAUSA/DEPT OF HHS WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
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
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
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