Cathay Pacific, a Hong Kong airline company, on Saturday announced a string of preventive measures in response to the highest health alert level raised after the first case of influenza A/H1N1 confirmed in the city on Friday.

Cathay Pacific has established a task force on emerging disease which is meeting regularly and updating the airline's response in accordance with worldwide developments in the disease outbreak.

The company is keeping close contacts with relevant authorities and is acting in line with the response from bodies such as the Hong Kong government and the World Health Organization.

The company has been issuing regular updates to its staff, with specific communications targeting cabin crew and other frontline teams.

Another measure being taken is an updated health message broadcast on all flights arriving in Hong Kong to alert crew and passengers on the current situation and the necessary actions required.

The task force has recommended posting public health alert notices at all check-in counters, advising passengers with flu symptoms like fever, cough or sore throat to identify themselves to airline staff for assistance or defer their travels.

Besides, the airline has increased the stock of facemasks available on flights. Supporting staff was requested to wear masks if they are sick; living with in a household with someone who has respiratory symptoms, or designated to look after sick passengers.

(Xinhua News Agency May 3, 2009)