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The Government tested its preparedness for a possible incident involving a biological agent today (June 20) during an exercise code-named "Pearl", organised by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) in collaboration with other government departments and organisations, at SuperTerminal 1 of Hong Kong International Airport.
The primary objective of this exercise was to test on-field investigation and control measures relating to human exposure to biological agents released to the environment without prior knowledge. It also assessed the effectiveness of governmental plans and procedures as well as the interoperability of government departments and relevant agencies in response to an incident with a biological agent.
The exercise consisted of two parts. The first part was a table-top exercise conducted on June 2, in which relevant departments and organisations commanded immediate response measures in a simulated incident after the biological agent was identified.
The second part conducted today was a ground-movement exercise. It was a practical first-response simulation exercise involving the activation and operation of a multi-agency Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Incident Advisory Group, and the deployment of staff on the ground to a public health incident at SuperTerminal 1 at Hong Kong International Airport. Participants responded to the incident in accordance with their respective internal procedures and external protocols.
"The exercise heightened the overall awareness and readiness of relevant stakeholders in the preventative measures against biological attack in order to protect Hong Kong. It also provided a valuable opportunity for relevant parties to identify areas for improvement," a spokesman for the DH said.
"We will continue to conduct regular public health exercises to carry out drills and test the contingency plans in relation to public health incidents in collaboration with major local and international stakeholders, for effective disease prevention and control in Hong Kong," the spokesman added.
About 100 representatives from relevant government departments and organisations took part in the exercise today, involving the DH, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Fire Services Department, the Security Bureau, the Hospital Authority, the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited and the Civil Aid Service.
Ends/Monday, June 20, 2016
Issued at HKT 21:21
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