With the spread of the Ebola virus becoming an increasing concern for countries around the world, Hong Kong has stepped up its preventive measures with a new health-screening questionnaire at the international airport.
Those who have travelled to Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of Congo, or Nigeria (despite it now being declared Ebola-free) in the last three weeks, or hold travel documents for any of these countries, are encouraged to take the voluntary survey, in addition to the existing screening measures already in place before immigration. Seriously though, who bothers taking a survey if it’s voluntary? Especially if you’re stricken with a killer virus.
In these questionnaires, passengers will be asked for travel history information, health status, and if they have had contact with any Ebola patients.
The Department of Health will also be distributing updated leaflets, which are sure to be binned immediately by most, and asking airlines to broadcast health messages on all incoming flights, because everyone watches those safety videos at the beginning of flights so intently.
Dr Tsui, Hong Kong’s Chief Port Health Officer, said, “We hope these new, voluntary health surveillance questionnaires can supplement and also enhance our capacity to get detection of the Ebola virus.”
Those found with any febrile symptoms will be whisked away to Princess Margaret Hospital’s Infectious Disease Centre for examination.
Fingers crossed that’s enough. We sure as hell don’t want a repeat of SARS.
Reader Interactions