Special Report:  World Tackles A/H1N1 Flu 

    BEIJING, May 1 -- Hong Kong is to step up monitoring for swine flu after the World Health Organization warned that the outbreak is now a global threat, said health secretary York Chow on Tuesday.

    Soundbite: York Chow, Hong Kong Secretary for Food and Health “I had a phone call with the World Health Organization emergency committee Director-General Margaret Chan. Although the WHO has not issued travel warnings, we advise people not to go to Mexico or other areas where confirmed infections are reported, unless really necessary.”

    The Hong Kong government began its "Flu Contingency Plan" on Sunday and and has increased its alert level to "severe."

    Thomas Tsang, controller of the Center for Health Protection, said Tuesday that four people who are suspected of having contracted swine flu abroad are being tested.

    Soundbite: Thomas Tsang, controller of the Center for Health Protection, said:"In fact according to our prediction, the flu cases will show up every day, for the virus is spreading to more areas and a great number of Hong Kong citizens travel abroad. Cases showing fever, coughing and cold-like symptoms within seven days of traveling to places where confirmed cases have been reported will be register on our network."

    Soundbite: York Chow, Hong Kong Secretary for Food and Health, said: "Starting this week, incoming travelers will be required to fill in health declaration cards."

    A massive influx of mainlanders is expected in Hong Kong during the Golden Week holidays that begin May 1. Both Hong Kong and mainland will increase port checks using thermal scanning. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Hongkong.

    (Source: XHTV)