Employers and employees urged to take exceptional measures against atypical pneumonia

The Labour Department today (March 27) strongly urged employers and employees to take exceptional precautionary measures to combat atypical pneumonia.

Employers are advised to communicate the health advice and guidelines issued by the Government to their employees. The advice and guidelines should be carefully followed by all.

Employers are also advised to tailor or modify these guidelines from time to time as circumstances require, taking into consideration their specific operational needs.

"They should provide resources to step up the cleansing of workplaces. For offices not operating during the weekend, the management should quickly make use of the opportunity to thoroughly disinfect their workplaces," a spokesman for the department said.

"Where necessary, employers should provide face masks for employees.

"Employers should also be sensitive to concerns of staff, especially those in the frontline. They are encouraged to stay in close touch with their staff and allay their concerns," he said.

"Sick leave should be granted to any employee who has contracted atypical pneumonia or developed respiratory illness symptoms.

"If the family member of an employee has contracted atypical pneumonia, the employer should deal with the situation sympathetically and flexibly by allowing the employee not to report for duty in order to stop the virus from spreading through the workplace.

"Everyone should pay attention to personal hygiene, wash their hands frequently, wear masks whenever necessary and consult a doctor promptly when feeling unwell," the spokesman added.

The Labour Department will distribute a health advisory leaflet on the prevention of respiratory tract infections in the workplace to employers' associations, trade unions and human resources managers' clubs. Copies of the leaflet will soon be available at the department's branch offices throughout the territory. The department will also help disseminate health messages at its website through hyperlinking to the Government's homepage at www.info.gov.hk.

The following are some of the main preventive measures:

• People with respiratory tract infections, or those caring for the sick, should wear face masks;
  
• Pay particular attention to personal hygiene. Do not spit. Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing, then clean your hands with liquid soap straight away. Dry hands with a disposable towel or hand dryer;
  
• Wash your hands before touching your eyes, mouth or nose;
  
• Do not share towels or eating utensils;
  
• Consult a doctor promptly if you develop a fever or cough;
  
• Increase your bodily immunity: follow a balanced diet, take regular exercise and get adequate rest. Do not smoke.

Preventive Measures for Office Management:

• Ensure the air-conditioning system is well maintained. Clean the air filter regularly;
  
• Office windows should be opened from time to time to allow for better ventilation;
  
• Maintain a clean and hygienic working environment. At least once a day, clean and disinfect commonly used equipment, including telephones, using a diluted solution of household bleach (1 part bleach: 99 parts water). Wipe again with a towel soaked in clean water;
  
• If cleaning vomitus, use a diluted solution of household bleach (1 part bleach: 49 parts water). Rinse the area with clean water and wipe dry;
  
• Keep carpets, doors and windows clean;
  
• Ensure toilet facilities are properly maintained;
  
• Provide liquid soap, disposable towels and/or a hand dryer in toilets;
  
• Remind staff members suffering from fever or cough to stay away from work and consult a doctor immediately.