Hong Kong raises alert versus Novel Coronavirus

Is taking precautions versus deadly bird flu at the Hong Kong International Airport.

In Hong Kong, the government activated the preliminary Alert Response Level under a preparedness plan for an influenza pandemic. This level calls for closely monitoring chicken farms, vaccination and a suspension of imports of live birds from the mainland, among others.

All passengers on flights in and out of Hong Kong are being asked to notify flight attendants or airport staff if they feel unwell.

Japan and Vietnam are also ramping up vigilance against the virus and with Vietnam banning imports of Chinese poultry.

In Japan, airports are displaying posters warning all passengers from China to seek medical attention if they suspect they have bird flu.

A total of 11 people in China have contracted H7N9, all in the east of the country near Hong Kong. Another person died last week in Shanghai, bringing the number of deaths to four. The latest victim worked delivering poultry.