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Unlike with Mainland China, we have a pretty good view of what happens in Hong Kong, and since they are likely to be the first line of defense against the novel coronavirus outside of the Mainland, we stand to learn a lot from their response.
Today, following warnings of a potential community outbreak earlier today by Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, Hong Kong's hospital authority has announced that they are ready to open 7 designated `fever' and `mild respiratory illness' clinics around the city whenever they are needed.
Seven designated clinics ready
February 6, 2020
In response to the latest developments in the outbreak, the Hospital Authority is prepared to start designated clinics within two days if necessary to focus on cases of mild fever or upper respiratory tract infections, with the first phase to be followed by the opening of a designated clinic in each of the seven networks.
The Deputy Secretary for Food and Health, Mr Tsui Deyi, introduced the designated clinic scheme at a press conference today, referring to the local infection cases of new coronavirus infection, which increased the chances of community infection, and the HA will implement designated clinics under the Network in phases in accordance with the contingency plan and in accordance with the development and needs of the outbreak.
Designated clinics to receive members of the public with mild symptoms will help to identify suspected cases of infection in the community and deal with them early, thereby reducing the chances of further transmission. The Emergency Department of public hospitals will continue to receive suspected cases with more severe symptoms, high risk and compliance with the Reporting Criteria of the Department of Health.
Mr Xu said that arrangements had been made in terms of software and hardware, including regulating the ventilation of the clinic, arranging the allocation of patient separation, preparing patient diversion arrangements and implementing infection control measures to reduce the risk of cross-infection among patients.
Designated clinics provide daily services to provide treatment according to the patient's clinical needs, including prescription medications and arrangements for virus testing, blood tests or X-rays. With the opening of designated clinics , the number of visits from some general out-patient clinics will be reduced and some patients will need to go to other clinics .
Mr Tsui said that the launching of designated clinics was part of the Government's anti-epidemic and response strategy, which would help to deal with cases in the community at an early stage and were important to the overall epidemic prevention work in Hong Kong. When it is necessary to start designated clinics, the Government and the HA will re-explain the details.
