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# PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
MR. JOSEPH CHAN Yuek-sut (in Cantonese):—Yes, I can, Mr. Chairman.
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MR. CHAN KWOK-LEUNG (in Cantonese):-Mr. Chairman, EV71 is basically spread from man to man. Human to human transmission is more common than infection through non-human transmission. Actually, children like to hug one another and this kind of body contact increases the chance of infection. Last year, when there was an outbreak of EV71, the Department took a series of measures to combat it. However, I wonder if these measures have been satisfactorily implemented. For example, when children enter a swimming pool or a children's playroom, departmental staff will conduct a visual inspection to check if they have the symptoms of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease. I wonder if our staff have acquired adequate knowledge on identification of the symptoms of this disease when they received training. This is the first point. Secondly, do they really check these children in a thorough manner? I often go to swimming pools. But I have not noticed any inspection of such symptoms on the children by the staff before admission. Could the Chairman of the PH SIC provide us with the number of denial of access for children with such symptoms? This is the first question.
Then my second question. Taiwan's experience tells us that when there is an outbreak of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, a large number of people might be infected. Some public places may also become major means of transmission of the disease as they are frequently visited by children. Should there be an outbreak, will the Council close public places that are frequently visited by children to avoid the spread of EV71 among children?
Mr. Joseph Chan Yuek-sut (in Cantonese):-Mr. Chairman, Mr. Chan's point is valid. Maybe the Chairman agrees with him too. EV71 is basically a contagious disease contracted through human contact. The Chairman, being a doctor, should be aware of this. The Chairman just nodded his head. I think he also agrees that Mr. CHAN's point is valid.
Whether any children have ever been denied access, I don't have the information in hand. Anyway, since such measures have been introduced, if any child is spotted or suspected of having contracted skin disease, no matter whether the child has the symptoms of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, as long as there are blisters or rashes on his skin, he is suspected of having contracted Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease or at least a skin disease and his access will be denied.
As to whether the venues in question need to be closed, Mr. Chairman, if there is an epidemic of the disease, the Council venues will have to be closed. Otherwise, they need not. It will be adequate only if we take preventive measures such as cleaning and disinfecting the facilities, and the public's usual activities will not be disrupted.
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