last modified: 7 Apr 2003
Guidelines on Suspected / Reported Atypical Pneumonia Cases
-	For any staff and student with any suspected symptom of AP, we strongly recommend that the staff and student concerned should consult immediately their doctors and stay at home. The Institute will grant the necessary sick leave. We also strongly recommend that they return to the campus only if and when they are certain that this is not an AP case.
-	To be in line with the Government approach on the period required for observation of AP symptoms, for staff and students who had come into close contact with anyone with confirmed AP, we strongly recommend that they stay at home for a period of 10 days, instead of the previously required 7 days, for observation irrespective of whether or not they have any AP symptoms. The Human Resources Office will adopt a compassionate approach in handling leaves of absence of affected staff.
-	According to the Department of Health, “close contact” means any person having cared for, having lived with or having had direct contact with respiratory secretions and body fluid of a person confirmed with AP. Practically, this means household contacts and those who have cared for patients with the disease. Persons who have had contact with an individual with AP but do not fit the definition of “close contact” are deemed to be social contacts, and are advised to contact the Department of Health only when they show AP symptoms.
-	In the event that there is any actual case of AP, the Institute and the dedicated team led by the Vice President(RAS) and comprising heads of the Estates Office, the Human Resources Office, the Communications and Institutional Advancement Office, the Student Affairs Office, the General Office, the Registry, the Centre for the Development of School Partnership and Field Experience and the Safety Officer will review the situation on a case by case basis and, in the extreme situation, may initiate action to close down affected floors or building blocks.
-	The Institute will also follow the advice of the Department of Health on tracing contacts and undertake all necessary actions.
-	The Institute pledges full support and will render assistance to staff and students who might be suffering unfortunately from the disease. The Human Resources Office and Schools will adopt a compassionate approach in handling sick leaves relating to any suspected AP cases. (Last revised: 7 April 2003)