CSD endeavors to guard against infection of HS influenza within institutions

     While the Human Swine (HS) Influenza has been spreading throughout the world, Hong Kong was no exception. A number of imported cases have been confirmed in the territory. To take no chance for any infection within penal institutions, the Department has adopted a series of precautionary measures in the fight against HS Influenza with a view to protecting the staff, inmates and visitors,” said acting Assistant Commissioner (Operations) Wong Kai-cho.

Mr Wong pointed out that apart from delivering quality custodial and rehabilitative services, CSD was committed to enhancing physical and mental health of prisoners and safeguarding public safety.

“In the wake of the emergence of epidemic in North America in late April, the Department has not only closely monitored the situation, but also taken immediate and essential steps. These include enforcing screening of body temperature for all visitors, ensuring adequate disinfecting facilities in areas accessible to the public and providing visitors with facemask whenever necessary to prevent any possible spread of HS Influenza into penal institution,” he said.

Mr Wong continued, “Subsequent to the first reported case of HS Influenza in Hong Kong, the city’s response level towards pandemic outbreak has been raised from ‘serious’ to ‘emergency’. We have also swiftly stepped up the preventive measures and carried out a multi-pronged approach to keep the disease out of the prison gate.”

“To fight against potential external risks, screening procedures for all persons entering institution are continuously exercised. Visitors and inmates are strongly advised to wear facemask during the course of visit, especially for group visit, open visit and legal visit. If anyone shows symptoms of influenza, they will be referred for prompt medical consultation before entering institution,” he said.

“In the internal aspect, facemasks are provided for staff and inmates who are required to work at relatively high risk environment. If circumstances warrant, additional appropriate protective gears, such as protective gowns and goggles are readily available. Posters and leaflets on prevention of HS Influenza have also been displayed in institutions and distributed to staff and inmates to remind them the importance of observing personal hygiene. Prison areas, particularly those of high in and out, are cleaned and disinfected frequently.”

Mr Wong said, “Though the implementation of measures may lead to certain inconvenience and extra workload, I very appreciate all staff members have demonstrated full commitment, dedication and professionalism in execution to uphold a pandemic free environment.”

“Staff’s needs have always been the prime concern of the Department. Updated information about precautionary measures and related guidelines on HS Influenza have been disseminated via the intranet or circulars to keep staff abreast of the latest development and enhance their knowledge of the disease,” he added.

“When the pandemic is evolving, we should not let our guard down. We have to continue our tireless efforts and remain highly vigilant to upkeep the highest standards of cleanness, hygiene and safety in the correctional institutions,” he said.