Case Reporting |
| Q: | How detailed will it be when the University reports a confirmed SARS cases? |
| A: | We concluded that in future cases, we will disclose the building if the case is a resident in the University premises, e.g. hostel, quarter, etc.Otherwise we will mention that the case is NOT living in University premises.
It is up to the Department of Health or Government's policy to disclose the residential district / area of all SARS cases.
So far, all the cases notified to the University are not residents of University premises. Our Task Force has issued a summary notice to all University members.
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ref:20030721100858 |
| Q: | Are those rumours about an infected case in campus true? |
| A: | The University appreciates the anxiety and uncertainty about SARS, and that is why it has taken many steps to ensure that the campus is as safe as it could be. The University has established a Task Force on SARS and we will seek to clarify situations as they arise. It would help if everyone in the University calls the hotline to report any possible or suspected case. |
ref:20030523235843 |
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Class Attendance |
| Q: | Should I wear a facemask to class? |
| A: | Should I wear a face mask to class?
Wearing of masks in classes is NOT compulsory. However, those with respiratory symptoms should wear a mask. Those with fever should not attend classes and should seek medical advice.
Guidelines for mask wearing is available on the HKU web site:
http://www.hku.hk/uhs/he/flu/facemask.htm
IMPORTANT: Even if you do wear a facemask, you should continue to maintain a high standard of personal hygiene for no mask can offer total protection.
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ref:20030704171307 |
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Close & Social Contact |
| Q: | What should I do if I am a close contact of a SARS case? |
| A: | You are a close contact if you live with, have cared for or closely worked with or have had direct contact with respiratory secretions and body fluids of a confirmed or suspected case of SARS
If you are a close contact:
- Inform the Department of Health
- Inform the Director of UHS or call hotline 6021 5290
- Inform your department head / warden / faculty secretary as soon as possible and arrange appropriate sick leave
- Do not go to work / classes / halls / social activities or visits
- Follow the personal hygiene guidelines as listed in HKU web page http://www.hku.hk/sars/protection/protection_eng.html
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible if there is onset of fever, chills, muscle pain with or without cough
- Follow the specific advice from Department of Health and/or Director of UHS
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ref:20030806112143 |
| Q: | What should I do if I am a social contact of a suspected "SARS" case? |
| A: | - Social contact means that you have not lived with, cared for or worked closely with a suspected or confirmed case of SARS, but you may have had brief social encounters with a suspected or confirmed case of SARS. This type of encounter is unlikely to be at high risk.
- Observe personal hygiene measures as listed in the HKU web page http://www.hku.hk/sars/protection/protection_eng.html
- Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms of fever, chills,muscle pain with or without cough.
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ref:20030806111825 |
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Facemask |
| Q: | Should I wear a facemask to work? |
| A: | Departments can purchase face masks from UHS at cost price.
Purchase form is available at http://www.hku.hk/sars/documents/mask_purchase_form-0516.doc
Individuals at greater risk are recommended to wear a mask at work, i.e.
- Medical staff, students and those working in the clinical environment
- Front line staff who, in an indoor environment, deal with large numbers of people in close vicinity e.g. receptionists, counter staff
- Lecturers lecturing at a close distance
- Cleaning staff
- Catering staff
- People who have fever, cough, a cold or flu like symptoms
- People who care for those with fever, possible or suspected SARS cases
- People who are close contacts with suspected cases of SARS
Guidelines for mask wearing is available on the HKU web site:
http://www.hku.hk/uhs/he/flu/facemask.htm
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ref:20030704172454 |
| Q: | Which type of masks is good? How long should I wear a mask before disposing of it? |
| A: | |
ref:20030524004800 |
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The Environment |
| Q: | Should I go to restaurants, cinemas or other crowded place? |
| A: | It is sensible if you can avoid crowded places for the time being
If it is unavoidable, follow the personal hygiene advice as listed in the HKU web page http://www.hku.hk/sars/protection/protection_eng.html
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ref:20030806112449 |
| Q: | Is it safe for me to speak to the microphone in the classrooms? |
| A: | Members of the staff of the Classroom Services Unit have been sterilizing the microphones in all the Centrally Time Table Classroom with the Sterilizing Spray 'Virus Doctor', the manufacturer claims that the spray is effective for 30 days. However, for safety measure, the microphones are sterilized everyday and in between lectures if feasible. The wired and wireless microphones checked-out from Classroom Services loan counter are also sterilized every time after used. |
ref:20030524010209 |
| Q: | What is the best means of disinfection? Does spraying with air freshener help? |
| A: | - As recommended by the Department of Health, use household bleach diluted 1:49 with water, then rinse with water and wipe dry.
- Wipe all surfaces e.g. tabletop, door handles, telephones, lift buttons etc.
- Spraying air freshener does not help.
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ref:20030524010018 |
| Q: | Are University public areas, including lecture theatres and canteens, safe for me to use? |
| A: | The Estates Office of the University has tightened up the cleansing of public areas, lecture theatres, central facilities and furniture, air-conditioning and ventilation systems to be cleaned at regular intervals in accordance with recommended practices of the Department of Health. The air conditioning system is enhanced so as to maximise the provision of fresh air to the central air system. If a suspected case arises, extensive cleansing will be imposed. There is however no better protection than watching over your own personal hygiene and those around you. |
ref:20030524005919 |
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Hotline & Contact Point |
| Q: | Any changes made to the hotline enquiry? |
| A: | In view of the decreasing number of SARS cases and the insignificant number of calls received; in line with the practice in the Department of Health and the Education and Manpower Bureau, the hotline hour is revised to be from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Mondays to Fridays and from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm on Saturdays, with immediate effect:
(852) 6021 5290
(852) 2859 2507
Arrangements have been made directly with Halls of Residents for out of hours consultation if necessary.
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ref:20030702181235 |
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Prevention & Precaution |
| Q: | Any preventive measures recommended by the University? |
| A: | Build up good body immunity. Ensure a proper diet. Take regular exercise. Have adequate rest. Reduce stress. Avoid Smoking and Passive Smoking.
- Maintain good personal hygiene. Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.
- Keep hands clean: wash them frequently and thoroughly. Use liquid soap and dry hands thoroughly.
- Do not rub eyes or nose.
- Wash hands especially after contact with nasal secretions such as sneezing or coughing.
- Do not share towels.
- Use separate chopsticks or spoons for serving food.
- Do not share eating utensils.
- Help to keep the environment clean: cleanse your own office or room regularly and properly.
- Maintain good indoor ventilation: open windows if possible.
- Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.
- If you develop fever (temp >= 38 degree celcius) for one day or more:(Most sufferers of SARS do not have cough, sneezing or runny nose at the early stage.)
- Do not go to work or lectures
- Consult your doctor promptly
- Wear a mask to reduce the chance of spreading the infection to people around you
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ref:20030524011402 |
| Q: | Is it safe for me to speak to the microphone in the classrooms? |
| A: | Members of the staff of the Classroom Services Unit have been sterilizing the microphones in all the Centrally Time Table Classroom with the Sterilizing Spray 'Virus Doctor', the manufacturer claims that the spray is effective for 30 days. However, for safety measure, the microphones are sterilized everyday and in between lectures if feasible. The wired and wireless microphones checked-out from Classroom Services loan counter are also sterilized every time after used. |
ref:20030524011159 |
| Q: | What is the best means of disinfection? Does spraying with air freshener help? |
| A: | - As recommended by the Department of Health, use household bleach diluted 1:49 with water, then rinse with water and wipe dry.
- Wipe all surfaces e.g. tabletop, door handles, telephones, lift buttons etc.
- Spraying air freshener does not help.
|
ref:20030524011114 |
| Q: | Are University public areas, including lecture theatres and canteens, safe for me to use? |
| A: | The Estates Office of the University has tightened up the cleansing of public areas, lecture theatres, central facilities and furniture, air-conditioning and ventilation systems to be cleaned at regular intervals in accordance with recommended practices of the Department of Health. The air conditioning system is enhanced so as to maximise the provision of fresh air to the central air system. If a suspected case arises, extensive cleansing will be imposed. There is however no better protection than watching over your own personal hygiene and those around you. |
ref:20030524011037 |
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Diagnostic Test for SARS |
| Q: | Any diagnostic tests of SARS have been developed by the University? |
| A: | http://www.hku.hk/facmed/faq.pdf |
ref:20030524011703 |
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Sick Leave of Staff |
| Q: | If I contract SARS, who should I notify? |
| A: | You should notify your Head of Department promptly. Sick leave will be granted according to the normal procedures. Your Head of Department will notify the Director of UHS who will undertake appropriate follow up action
For details, please refer to http://www.hku.hk/local/uhs_he_flu/ap_university.htm |
ref:20030524012057 |
| Q: | If my family / household member contracts SARS should I notify the University? |
| A: | You should notify your Head of Department and the Director of UHS immediately for necessary action to follow, inclusive of the consideration of granting sick leave.
In the current SARS-related extraordinary circumstances, sick leave may be granted exceptionally by Head of Department on the recommendation of the Director of UHS. |
ref:20030524011948 |
| Q: | Should I go to work if I develop a cold, fever or cough? |
| A: | You should consult a registered medical practitioner or the University Health Service for advice. Sick leave will be granted according to the normal procedures. |
ref:20030524011916 |
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Symptoms |
| Q: | If I develop a fever, what should I do? |
| A: | First, try to measure your body temperature with a thermometer to check if (>37oC) fever is present. If you have a fever, you should see a doctor. You are advised to stay away from class or work. If the temperature does not come down even after medication, you should quickly return to your doctor for further consultation. In the event that you have chosen to use a doctor outside the University, it is still a responsible act to report your case to the department head. If you are a contact / close contact of a case of SARS, you should seek medical advice immediately if you have a fever. |
ref:20030524012703 |
| Q: | I have some cough, running nose. What should I do? |
| A: | Check your temperature. If there is NO fever
- You are most likely suffering from "common cold".
- Get plenty of rest, take extra fluid.
- Seek medical attention if your condition deteriorates or you develop fever.
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ref:20030524012545 |
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Travel |
| Q: | What should I note for traveling?
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| A: | Please refer to the "SARS Related Travel Advice for Staff and Students":
http://www.hku.hk/local/sars/Travel270503Eng.pdf (English Version)
http://www.hku.hk/local/sars/Travel270503Chi.pdf (Chinese Version)
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ref:20030721104609 |
| Q: | Should I travel to places outside Hong Kong? Is it safe to travel on a plane? |
| A: | - There have been isolated cases of air travellers being infected by other passengers who are ill with this virus.
- Keep up to date with current travel advice (which can change daily) via WHO and Department of Health websites, available in www.hku.hk.
- Do not travel if you have symptoms of fever, chills, muscle pain with or without cough.
- If you are a close contact with a suspected or confirmed case of SARS you should not travel for the recommended isolation period of 10 days.
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ref:20030524013036 |
| Q: | What if my travel plan for business is affected by the SARS, will insurance provide any compensation to me and/or the University? |
| A: | Please refer to document about Travel Insurance |
ref:20030524013059 |
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