HK Pinoys warned to take steps vs SARS infection

Filipino workers in Hong Kong were warned yesterday against visiting crowded places and to take all necessary precautions against the deadly pneumonia-like disease Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

In a report sent to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine consul general to Hong Kong Victoria Bataclan said the Filipino community has been advised to take precautionary measures to avoid the illness that has already infected 123 people there, including a Filipina domestic helper.

"While there is no cause for panic, the Philippine consulate deems it prudent for the Filipino community to take precautionary measures recommended by the Hong Kong health authorities to prevent respiratory tract infection," Bataclan said.

She noted that all Filipino workers were advised to observe proper diet, exercise and have adequate rest as well as avoid smoking.

The workers were also told to avoid visiting crowded places, maintain personal hygiene, and not to share personal items such as towels with other people.

The Philippine embassy urged medical workers and caregivers to wear masks to reduce the chances of transmission and infection.

Bataclan also called on Filipinos who may be manifesting symptoms of SARS to immediately seek medical help so they can be given the appropriate treatment.

At this time, according to Bataclan, Hong Kong health authorities maintained that the SARS outbreak is limited only to the hospital setting and infection has not yet spread to rest of the community.

She added that the Hong Kong government is working closely with the World Health Organization and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify the microorganism causing the deadly respiratory illness.