HEALTH | MERS SCARE | Tour groups to South Korea canceled

The Bukchon neighborhood of Seoul, South Korea

Macau group tours to South Korea that were booked for this month have been cancelled by travel agencies, as reported cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in South Korea continue to rise, according to a Radio Macau report.
The president of the Association of Macau Tourist Agents, Wu Keng Kuong, said that seven group tours have been canceled, affecting the travel plans of about 100 people.
Mr Wu further clarified with regard to bookings for July and August, that some travel agencies are allowing customers to delay their bookings for a period of up to six months. They are also allowing clients to change their travel destinations, although doing this might involve further fees.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) yesterday advised Macau residents not to travel to South Korea unless absolutely necessary.
On Monday, the Health Bureau (SSM) announced that it would be raising its MERS response level from a “standard alert” to a “high-level alert,” thus suggesting that residents should avoid traveling to South Korea.
“Macau residents who intend to travel to South Korea, or are currently traveling in South Korea, should follow the recommendations of the Health Bureau and avoid visiting medical institutions, or having contact with local medical staff;
be aware of personal hygiene by washing your hands frequently and wearing a mask in public areas,” GGCT said in a statement yesterday.
Information collected through the Macau travel industry shows that there was one Macau tour group, comprising four people, in South Korea this week. They were expected to return home yesterday.
GGCT said that, as of this point, it has received 38 requests for information regarding MERS.
SSM raised their MERS response from a standard alert to a high-level alert on Monday evening, as the virus outbreak in South Korea was identified as placing neighboring regions at greater risk.
“High” is the second alert level in a four-level scale. A high-level alert requires healthcare professionals and citizens seeking treatment at local public healthcare facilities to wear masks. SSM has also suggested that private hospitals and clinics follow the same rule.
South Korea confirmed a seventh death from the MERS infection yesterday. Another eight new cases were also reported, bringing the total number of infected people to 95.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong has issued a red alert warning against travel to South Korea. This is the second-highest level, under which people are advised to “avoid non-essential travel to Korea, including leisure travel.”
MERS symptoms include fever, cough, breathing difficulties, and in some cases diarrhea, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The virus can also cause pneumonia and kidney failure.
If needed, Macau residents can call the 24-hour Tourism Hotline on +853 28333000 or the Health Bureau hotline on +853 28700800 for further information. CP

suspected case tests negative

Another suspected case of MERS has tested negative, according to the Health Bureau. SSM said in a statement yesterday that on Monday night a 23-year-old Korean woman was brought to Kiang Wu Medical Center in Taipa, presenting MERS-like symptoms, such as a high fever, vomiting, coughing and trouble breathing. The woman had recently traveled to South Korea. Lab analysis showed that she tested negative for MERS.