Has the blight of SARS changed Hong Kong’s public health policies and attitudes?

Recap… The Three Essential Elements for infectious disease to spread

The way to transmit an infectious disease Host Transmission Agent Environment Susceptible Host

SARS-like virus in Saudi Arabia Has Hong Kong learned from the past and prepared itself adequately for the threat? Video: New SARs-Like Virus Spreading

Point to think Why could SARS cause so much disturbance to Hong Kong?

so many disturbances to Hong Kong? Video: SARS 2003 Try to answer all of the T/F questions after watching the clip Why could SARS cause so many disturbances to Hong Kong?

SARS: Ten years on (2) A (0:00 – 5:51) Have people forgotten about SARS? Try to note down some key issues to complete question.

Discussion What/Why do we need to learn the lesson from SARS?

Actions taken by the government responding to SARS. Initial Stage Deny the rumors or reports about the virus being spread in Guangdong Response to initial detection of epidemic No special response Quarantine No action until the outbreak in Amoy Garden Outcome 299 people died

What changes can you find? Discussion Has the Hong Kong government learnt a lesson from SARS? How do you know? SARS Ten Years On (2) (10:26 – 13:34) What changes can you find?

Response to initial detection of epidemic Swine Flu(2009) Initial Stage Information disclosed to public once immediately. Response to initial detection of epidemic Government management (Centre for Health Protection)began to formulate actions to response. Quarantine 7 days quarantine order was issued to the hotel where the index potential was living once he was confirmed to have contracted the virus. Outcome 62 people died, but no major outbreak, mild infection

Changes after SARS (SARS Ten Years On 2 (16:52 till the end)) Government Cut off the infectious disease from source Rearrange the use and allocation of resources Organize the community to participate in prevention Educate and remind citizens

Information transparency increased Cut off the infectious disease from source Rearrange the use and allocation of resources Organize the community to participate in prevention Educate and remind citizens Setup the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) to increase swiftness of response Decision made much quicker with higher cautious E.g. Quarantine order issued straightaway in the Swine Flu case Information transparency increased Report of confirmed case to WHO as well as public immediately.

Government (Continue) Cut off the infectious disease from source Rearrange the use and allocation of resources Organize the community to participate in prevention Educate and remind citizens Government (Continue) Stricter control at the boarders Temperature measured and reported for each traveler. Declaration form filled in for each traveler. Increase Heal 55tfth Education Stress the importance of environmental hygiene.

Improvement of medical facilities Cut off the infectious disease from source Rearrange the use and allocation of resources Organize the community to participate in prevention Educate and remind citizens Improvement of medical facilities E.g. maintain negative pressure and optimize fresh air intake in SARS wards and selected operating theatres

Changes after SARS People: Increase awareness of personal hygiene Wash hand after arriving home Use 1:99 disinfectants for regular cleaning Avoid to eat wild animal Habit changed Wear mask if caught a cold Temperature regularly measured

Group Discussion What is the best solution to combat infectious disease? How? Would focusing on 1 aspect of the epidemiological triangle be the best way?

Public Health View Prevention rather than just curing diseases Promoting good personal habits. Focus on the environment Improving environmental hygiene Emphasize on the root causes Trace the virus back to originated place

Conclusion Has the blight of SARS changed Hong Kong’s public health policies and attitudes?