The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 11) reported a suspected case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of the health risks in the places they visit. The case is detailed below:
 

 
     "Travellers to the Middle East should avoid going to farms, barns or markets with camels; avoid contact with sick persons and animals, especially camels, birds or poultry; and avoid unnecessary visits to healthcare facilities. We strongly advise travel agents organising tours to the Middle East to abstain from arranging camel rides and activities involving direct contact with camels, which are known risk factors for acquiring MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)," a spokesman for the CHP said.
 
     Locally, the CHP's surveillance with public and private hospitals, with practising doctors and at boundary control points is firmly in place. Inbound travellers and members of the public who recently visited the Middle East and developed relevant symptoms within 14 days will be classified as suspected MERS cases. They will be taken to public hospitals for isolation and management until their specimens test negative for MERS-CoV.
 
     Travellers to affected areas should maintain vigilance, adopt appropriate health precautions and take heed of personal, food and environmental hygiene. The public may visit the MERS pages of the CHP and its Travel Health Service, MERS statistics in affected areas, the CHP's Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, and the World Health Organization's latest news for more information and health advice. Tour leaders and tour guides operating overseas tours are advised to refer to the CHP's health advice on MERS.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     As at noon today (March 11), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 46 patients (24 male and 22 female, aged 11 months to 95) in the past 24 hours who met the reporting criteria of COVID-19. Appropriate tests have been arranged for the patients.
 
     There are 119 patients under isolation currently. So far, 67 patients who had COVID-19 confirmed or probable infection have been discharged upon recovery.
 
     The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.
 

     The Department of Health (DH) today (March 11) endorsed a licensed wholesale dealer, the International Medical Company Ltd, to recall three batches of Metformin-Teva 500mg Tablets (Hong Kong registration number: HK-60334) from the market due to the potential presence of an impurity in the product. The affected batches are 16532717, 16532817 and 16532917.
 
     The DH received notification from the wholesale dealer that the manufacturer suspected that the above product might contain the impurity N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) based on laboratory testing. The DH then collected samples of the product for analysis. Results from the Government Laboratory confirmed that the samples contained NDMA. As a precautionary measure, the wholesale dealer is voluntarily recalling all available batches of the above product from the market.
 
     The DH noted that NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen based on results from laboratory tests and overseas drug regulatory authorities have been reviewing the safety impact of NDMA found in some medicinal products including metformin. The DH will closely monitor the development of the issue and any safety updates regarding the drug issued by overseas drug regulatory authorities for consideration of action deemed necessary.
 
     The above product containing metformin is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. According to the wholesale dealer, the product has been supplied to local private doctors and pharmacies. 
 
     The International Medical Company Ltd has set up a hotline (3904 3799) to answer related enquiries.
 
     "So far, the DH has not received any adverse reaction report in connection with the product. The DH will closely monitor the recall," a spokesman for the DH said.
 
     "Patients who are taking the above product should not stop taking the medicine, but should seek advice from their healthcare professionals as soon as possible for appropriate arrangements," the spokesman added.

  

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announces that tender for a 15-year Government Bond (issue number 15GB3403) under the Institutional Bond Issuance Programme was held today (March 11).
 
     A total of HK$0.8 billion 15-year Government Bonds were allocated today. A total of HK$2.841 billion tender applications were received. The bid-to-cover ratio, i.e. the ratio of bonds applied for to bonds issued, is 3.55. The average price accepted is 113.80, implying an annualised yield of 0.965 per cent. 

HKSAR Government Institutional Bond Issuance Programme Government Bond tender results
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     Tender results of 15-year Government Bonds under the Institutional Bond Issuance Programme:
 

 
* Calculated as the amount of bonds applied for over the amount of bonds issued.
 

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 is 106.3 (up 0.2 against yesterday's index).