The Health Bureau would maintain closer links with media to ensure that the public was informed of the latest SARS related information, said the Director Koi Kuoc Ieng today (23 April).

The bureau held a press conference today to brief on the preventive measures enacted recently. Director of the bureau, Koi Kuoc Ieng stressed that theoretically; it is probable that confirmed cases would be found in Macao due to the frequent contact between its residents and those living in neighboring regions. Thus, both the Government and the public should stay alert and take necessary precautions.

He noted that the bureau would maintain closer link with media, so as to keep the public informed of the latest SARS related information.

A hotline would be set up for media to reach the bureau for inquiries and information, said Mr. Koi.

On the other hand, he said that infrared temperature scanning would be introduced in the three main checkpoints in Macao, respectively Macao International Airport, The Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal and the Border Gate.

He said that the bureau would install a stationed infrared temperature-scanning device in each checkpoint and also prepare 50 portable ones. The devises were expected to identify people with fever more effectively.

Director of Conde S. Januario Hospital, Dr. Lei Chin Ion, briefed the press on the preventive measures recently introduced to the emergency room of the Hospital, including the Isolated Emergency and screening station where patients were diverted according to their conditions.

According to Dr. Lei, Patients who had fever of or above 38º C and had contacted with SARS patients or had recently travelled out of Macao would be directed to the isolated emergency room and subjected to X-ray and blood tests. Doctors would decide according to the results whether the patient would go to the isolation care unit or the ordinary emmergency room.