To test the Government's response in the event of an avian influenza outbreak in Hong Kong, the Department of Health conducted an exercise, codenamed "Chestnut", on September 22. The Force, represented by Support Wing, Operations Wing, New Territories North (NTN), Kowloon West (KW) and Kowloon East (KE) Regions, participated in the exercise, along with 12 other government departments.

The scenario of the exercise was that a person, who was a staff of a child care centre in Fanling, was confirmed to have been infected with avian influenza and some of her colleagues at the centre had also developed symptoms of the illness. As a result, there was a need to isolate the centre and escort those who were suspected of having been infected to Princess Margaret Hospital and those who had not, to the quarantine centre at Lady MacLehose Holiday Village, Sai Kung.

Being the policyholder in respect of infectious diseases, Support Wing, prior to the exercise, had a number of meetings with the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, and actively coordinated with Operations Wing and the concerned Regions in preparation for the exercise.

On the day of the exercise, Support Wing notionally activated the Infectious Disease Alert State (IDAS) to "Bravo" in accordance with the "Force Guidelines on Human Infectious Disease Outbreaks". Operations Wing also mobilised officers from the NTN Region to cordon off and isolate the child care centre, conduct visits to the infected persons and escort them to the quarantine centre, whereas officers from the KW Region performed cordoning at Princess Margaret Hospital, while KE Region performed cordoning and isolation duties at the quarantine centre.

Throughout the exercise, officers on the ground and at Regional High Commands were tested for their readiness and response in relation to the various facets of an infectious disease related operation, including cordon, isolation, evacuation and escort.

All players put on personal protective gear and degown. Overall, the exercise presented a very good opportunity for them to practise and familiarise themselves with the various orders related to an infectious disease, including the "Force Guidelines on Human Infectious Disease Outbreaks", and enhance their preparedness in this regard.

The Force will continue to work closely with the Department of Health and other government departments in strengthening its preparedness and ability to combat infectious diseases in Hong Kong.

Force members may obtain more information on the Force preparedness against infectious diseases from the website of "Infectious Disease Guidelines" on POINT.

A case of deja vu for Force members