The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 16) reported a suspected case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of the health risks in the places of visit. The case is detailed below: 
 

     "Travellers to the Middle East should avoid going to farms, barns or markets with camels; avoid contact with sick persons and animals, especially camels, birds or poultry; and avoid unnecessary visits to healthcare facilities. We strongly advise travel agents organising tours to the Middle East to abstain from arranging camel rides and activities involving direct contact with camels, which are known risk factors for acquiring MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)," a spokesman for the CHP said.    
 
     The Hajj pilgrimage ended in late August. If pilgrims feel unwell during the two weeks after returning to Hong Kong, they should wear a surgical mask and seek medical attention immediately and inform a doctor of their recent travel history, including transit.

     Locally, the CHP's surveillance with public and private hospitals, with practising doctors and at boundary control points is firmly in place. Inbound travellers and members of the public who recently visited the Middle East and developed fever or lower respiratory symptoms within 14 days will be classified as suspected MERS cases. They will be taken to public hospitals for isolation and management until their specimens test negative for MERS-CoV.

     Travellers to affected areas should maintain vigilance, adopt appropriate health precautions and take heed of personal, food and environmental hygiene. The public may visit the MERS pages of the CHP and its Travel Health Service, MERS statistics in affected areas, the CHP's Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, and the World Health Organization's latest news for more information and health advice. Tour leaders and tour guides operating overseas tours are advised to refer to the CHP's health advice on MERS.

     The Hurricane Signal No. 10 issued by the Hong Kong Observatory this morning (September 16) remains in force.

     The Home Affairs Department has so far opened 48 temporary shelters in various districts and 1 219 people have sought refuge at the shelters.

      As at 5pm, the 1823 Government Call Centre has received 179 reports of fallen tree and the Drainage Services Department has received 26 confirmed flooding cases. According to the Civil Engineering and Development Department and Lands Department, no report of landslide has been received.

      According to the Hospital Authority, as at 5pm, a total of 213 people, including 117 men and 96 women, have sought medical treatment at public hospitals during the typhoon period.

      The MTR Corporation is providing limited services. Tram, Peak Tram and ferry services were suspended. On air traffic, the Airport Authority Hong Kong reported that a total of 889 flights have been cancelled today.

     Severe Typhoon Mangkhut has brought about frequent strong winds and heavy rain, which have adversely affected Hong Kong. Considering that it takes time to clean and repair community facilities and the need to ensure student safety, the Education Bureau announces class suspension of all schools tomorrow (September 17) regardless of whether any Tropical Cyclone Signal and Rainstorm Warning Signal will still be in force.
      
     In accordance with the established guideline on contingency measures, schools should keep their premises open under safe conditions and arrange staff members to take care of students who have a genuine need to return to school in a safe place within the school premises. Parents should consider factors, such as their home conditions, the road conditions in the vicinity, the local district weather and the care that their children need when deciding whether to send them to school.
 

Attention TV and radio duty announcers:

     Please broadcast the following special announcement by the Education Bureau concerning schools and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     Classes of all evening schools are suspended today (September 16).

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations,

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     The Tourism Commission announces that due to the issuing of Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 10 by the Hong Kong Observatory, "A Symphony of Lights" will be cancelled tonight (September 16).