Pandemic Influenza Preparedness

An influenza pandemic is a global spread of disease caused by a novel influenza against which the human population has low or no immunity. This spread of disease will have potentially devastating health, economic, and social impacts, particularly for developing countries, which suffer a higher disease burden and are more vulnerable.

The University closely monitors the level of the SAR Government’s response to the pandemic influenza, along with other communicable diseases, and stays vigilant with public health measures. If the situation warrants, the University may set up a task force to monitor the development of pandemic, assess its impact on university activities, and coordinate efforts between internal and external parties.

Health and Safety Office (HSO) will provide secretariat support to the Central Management Team when a task force is set up and coordinate in case management.

Individual departments should review on regular basis its departmental plans to cope with crisis arising from communicable diseases, pandemic situations and stocks of personal protective equipment for operation, teaching and research activities. It is important to take note of the following:

• If feeling unwell, staff and students should refrain from returning to office and campus and seek medical attention immediately.

• Staff and students who have contracted or are suspected to have contracted communicable diseases, including notifiable infectious diseases, are encouraged to notify their respective Head of Unit who may contact University Health Services for further advices.
• Procedures to follow when dead wild birds are found on campus:
  • Staff and students should avoid touching it or its droppings as it may carry the avian flu virus. They should notify Campus Control Centre (emergency line: 2766 7999). The Centre will cordon off the adjacent area to prevent other persons from coming into contact with the dead bird and will call the Government hotline 1823 to arrange for bird collection and Campus Facilities and Sustainability Office (CFSO) / Campus Facilities Management (CFM) staff will disinfect the adjacent area after removal of the bird.