Circulars

2009/06/15

Precautionary Measures against Influenza A/H1N1

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised its global H1N1 Influenza A pandemic alert to the highest Phase 6, which indicates that a global pandemic is under way with community level outbreaks in at least one other country.

The Chamber calls upon members to be aware of the disease when visiting overseas and to keep a high level of personal hygiene. We have added a ‘H1N1 Icon’ on our website where people can easily find the latest information about the H1N1 virus. We also have staff workstation ‘cleansing day’ everyday, with large scale cleaning once week. All staff are required to spend 30 minutes cleaning up their workplace. The Chamber has also ordered a large number of face masks for staff and visitors use. We also encourage influenza vaccinations against seasonal flu by high risk individuals.

We will invite representatives of the retail, services and utility sectors to talk to our members on corporate preparedness measures on June 24.

To prevent infection by the virus, it is vital for us to attend more diligently to personal hygiene. We hope members will stay alert and take extra care of their personal hygiene. The Chamber has the following health advice for members:

Overseas Visits Advice

• Take heed of travel advice about the local and global situation
• Pay close attention to the latest information on countries and areas affected by H1N1 flu announced by the Center for Health Protection
• Put on a mask during your stay as necessary
• Avoid contact with sick people
• Pay attention to announcements from the local government
• See a doctor if you become sick within 7 days upon returning

HKGCC's precautionary measures:
To ensure our quality service for members, we will take the following precautionary measures and review from time to time:

▪ The office will be divided into “staff only area” and “visitor only area”. Visitors should stay in the Reception Area, the Boardroom, the Conference Room, the Committee Room, the Library and the Glass Meeting Room. All meetings shall be held in those areas only.
▪ In case of need, visitors will be provided with facemasks.
▪ Facemasks, alcohol-based hand rub, antiseptic wipes, and household bleach are available for use.
▪ All tables and chairs in the meeting rooms (“Visitor Only Area”) will be cleaned with 1:99 diluted household bleach after each meeting and event.
▪ Door handles of the meeting rooms, the reception area, and the library will be sanitized every three hours.
▪ All staff are required to clean and disinfect their own work station regularly.
▪ Weekly Staff Cleansing will be carried out every Thursday at 5 to 5:30 pm:
▪ Contingency Plan has been established to ensure the feasibility of staff to work at home, system backup, etc.

General Health Advice
• Keep hands clean and wash hands properly
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth
• Wash hands with liquid soap promptly after sneezing or coughing
• Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing
• Always wrap nasal and mouth discharges with tissue paper, and dispose of the tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin
• Wear mask when symptoms of respiratory tract infection or fever develop
• Refrain from work if you develop symptoms of influenza
• Seek medical advice promptly when symptoms of respiratory tract infection develop

Practicing good personal hygiene measures at all times is an important key to prevent H1N1 flu infections. We will continue to watch closely further development and will provide appropriate advice as necessary.

For further information on influenza prevention, please visit:

WHO – H1N1 update
http://www.who.int/en/
CHP – Influenza Prevention Page
http://www.chp.gov.hk/index.asp?lang=en&id=7

Regards,



Alex Fong
CEO

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