Department of Health
The Department of Health is the Government's health adviser and agency to execute healthcare policies and statutory functions. It safeguards the health of the community through promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative services.
More flu outbreaks are expected in schools over the coming weeks, due to the cold snap and Hong Kong being in its peak influenza season.
Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow told the media today, according to previous experience, there could be several outbreaks in schools every week.
"But with the precautions we have given to all the schools, we hope the outbreaks will be under control."
Schools will need to make a report to the Department of Health if more than three students in the same class have the flu at the same time.
If a large number of infections are spreading throughout the school within a short time, or if there are serious cases within a school, the department may advise the school to suspend classes for a week or more, depending on the severity of the outbreak and the progress of the epidemic, Dr Chow added.
