Pandemic Influenza Preparedness

An influenza pandemic is a global spread of disease caused by a novel influenza virus against which the human population has low or no immunity. This spread of disease has potentially devastating health, economic, and social impacts, particularly for developing countries which suffer a higher disease burden and are more vulnerable.

The University closely monitors the response level of the SAR Government regarding pandemic influenza, along with other communicable diseases, and stays vigilant with public health measures. If the situation warrants, the University may set up a task force to monitor pandemic developments, assess impacts on university activities and coordinate efforts between internal and external parties.

Health and Safety Office (HSO) provides secretariat support to the Central Management Team when a task force is set up, and coordinates case management.

Individual departments should review their departmental plans on regular basis to cope with crises arising from communicable diseases or pandemic situations, and maintain stocks of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for operations, teaching and research activities. It is important to take note of the following:

• Refrain from returning to office or campus and seek medical attention immediately if feeling unwell

• Notify respective Heads of Unit if contracting or suspecting contraction of communicable diseases, including notifiable infectious diseases. Head of Unit may contact University Health Services for further advice
• Follow specific procedures if dead wild birds are found on campus:
  • Avoid touching it or its droppings, as it may carry avian flu virus
  • Notify Campus Control Centre immediately via emergency line (2766 7999)
    Note: Campus Control Centre will cordon off the adjacent area to prevent public contact before they call the Government hotline (1823) to arrange for collection. Campus Facilities and Sustainability Office (CFSO) or Campus Facilities Management (CFM) staff will disinfect the adjacent area completely after removal of the bird