Director of Health Dr Margaret Chan has ordered Block E of Amoy Garden in Ngau Tau Kok, Kowloon Bay, to be isolated for 10 days to prevent the spread of atypical pneumonia.

The order requires residents of Block E of Amoy Garden to remain in their flats until midnight on April 9. No one will be allowed to enter or leave the premises without express permission in writing of a health officer.

Unprecedented action: To curb the spread of atypical pneumonia, the Government  has ordered the isolation of Block E at Amoy Gardens for 10 days.

The continued steep rise in the number of infected people in the building in the past few days prompted the decision. It aims to protect the health of both residents and the community.

Medical personnel from the Department of Health will visit residents' homes to conduct health inspections for them. Residents will be provided three meals a day free of charge. They will also receive help and advice to conduct thorough cleansing and disinfection of their flats. Home Affairs Department staff will brief residents on the detailed arrangements to take care of their daily needs.

The order was issued under the authority granted under Section 24 of the Prevention of the Spread of Infectious Diseases Regulations, Cap. 141.

The department understands that the measures will cause residents great inconvenience. But because of the exceptional circumstances Hong Kong faces, it has no choice but to  resort to this measure. It asks for residents' forbearance, understanding and support in joining the community's fight against this disease.