Living conditions may hold clues, says DAB chief

The rapid spread of viral pneumonia was homing in on environmental factors as being the major cause……

The rapid spread of viral pneumonia was homing in on environmental factors as being the major cause…… Democratic Alliance for Betterment of Hong Kong (DAB) chairman Tsang Yok-sing said yesterday the investigation into the rapid spread of viral pneumonia was homing in on environmental factors as being the major cause. Speaking to reporters after touring Block E at Amoy Gardens, Tsang said the government’s investigation was nearly complete, but some of the lessons from the private housing estate had already been used to prevent a similar outbreak at Koway Court in Chai Wan.Scores of people from Amoy Gardens contracted the disease late last month, forcing the government to quarantine Block E on March 31. The following day, some 200 residents from the block were taken to a holiday camp where they were isolated for 10 days.Tsang and DAB legislator Chan Kam-lam visited several residents of Block E.”What we have learned from the Amoy Gardens experience is that environmental factors can help spread the virus,” Tsang said. “Although the report on Amoy Gardens has yet to be finalised, some of the findings have been applied to protect other premises such as Koway Court in Chai Wan.”Tsang said the government’s swift action in this case had helped prevent a second disaster. “But that does not mean a conclusion has been reached in the Amoy or Koway investigations,” he said.Tsang also believed there would be closer co-operation between Guangdong and Hong Kong medical officials after President Hu Jintao expressed concern over the outbreak.”President Hu’s statement shows that viral pneumonia is now a matter of concern for the whole nation. Since it is impossible to draw a line between Hong Kong and Guangdong with the heavy passenger flow, there must be closer co-operation in tackling the problem,” he said.According to Tsang, one of the families they visited on the 22nd floor of Block E had complained of structural damage which exposed the metal bars in the concrete ceiling.The family also complained of dripping water and feared this was one way the virus could enter their home. “Many of the residents also feared hanging out their clothing to dry,” Tsang said.Chan said while they sympathised with the families, it was the duty of flat owners to clean and maintain the building. However, he would propose that the government offer short-term financial relief for needy residents.(Source: The Standard.com; Matthew Lee; 15 April 2003, 01:50 AM)