HK clears 1st round of flu control

Special Report:World tackles A/H1N1 flu

Health authorities in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have lifted a quarantine on the Metropark Hotel.

This marks the end of quarantine arrangements following the first confirmed case of influenza A-H1N1 in the city.

HealthauthoritiesintheHongKongSpecialAdministrative
RegionhaveliftedaquarantineontheMetroparkHotel.
(APPhoto/KinCheung)

A total of 286 people, including tourists and hotel staff were put under quarantine, after a 25 year-old Mexican was confirmed to have A-H1N1 flu on May 1st.

Some guests had initially complained about being trapped, but with the door opened, some seemed upbeat.

60 of the people went directly to airport and ports. Those who chose to stay in Hong Kong will receive two free nights in another hotel, and tickets to Disneyland and Ocean Park.

Donald Tsang, HK SAR Chief Executive, said, "Most of the affected people have shown their understanding of what we've done. I saw they hung out "I love Hong Kong". I was deeply moved. I want to extend my greatest appreciation for them."

The Metropark Hotel will undergo a thorough disinfection after all the guests left. Hong Kong health authorities say although they've succeeded in preventing the spread of the disease, the city should remain vigilant.

The Mexican patient, the first confirmed case in Hong Kong, was discharged from hospital on Friday evening.

No one is in isolation in Hong Kong at the moment.

Passengers on AM098 released from quarantine

Special Report:World tackles A/H1N1 flu

The seven-day quarantine period for passengers on flight AM098 from Mexico City to Shanghai is over. They were put under medical observation after a 25 year old Mexican man on the flight was found to have the A/H1N1 flu.





Awomanwavesafterbeingreleasedfromquarantineata
holidaycampwheretheywereheldforaweekinHongKong
Thursday,May7,2009.Atleast28ofthe34passengerswho
flewfromShanghaitoHongKongwiththeMexicanmanconfirmed
astheterritory'sfirstandonlyswineflupatientwere
releasedThursdayafternoon.Another347guestsandstaff
quarantinedintheMetroparkHotelinWanchaiwillbe
releasedFridayevening.

About 110 people from the AeroMexico flight were put under quarantine.

They are scattered across 18 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

None are showing any flu-like symptoms.

A Mexican student, who volunteered to stay in Shanghai for the quarantine, expressed gratitude to the local health authorities.

A Mexican student said, "We appreciate you for helping us everyday, because I understand what the Chinese government is doing for us and also for Mexico."