The Hong Kong Institute of Housing Urges Three Nil Buildings to Raise Residents' Awareness of Disease Prevention

HONG KONG, April 24 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In view of the increasing confirmed cases of human H7N9 avian influenza in mainland China, The Hong Kong Institute of Housing ("HKIH") believes that preservation of common areas hygiene has an important role in determining a safe and hygienic living environment for the general public. With this regard, professional property managers have full knowledge in stepping up disease prevention measures in their managed properties to protect residents and visitors.

As for "three nil buildings", i.e. those without owners' corporations (OCs), residents' organizations or property management companies (PMCs), residents in general might be unable to carry out effective and comprehensive disease prevention measures. In light of the possible health hazard problems, HKIH advises the Government to expedite the promotion on the importance of professional property management and to help residents of "three nil buildings" to form OCs.

HKIH takes the opportunity to suggest some precautionary measures for owners/residents of "three nil buildings" to consider, they include:

1. Pouring diluted bleach into floor drains in common areas including staircases, canopy, roof, flat roof and light wells;
2. Cleaning common areas and facilities with diluted bleach, disinfecting lift buttons (if any) more frequently at regular intervals, cleaning door handles more frequently and placing disinfected mattress at all entrances;
3. Take precautionary personal and domestic hygiene measures e.g. wearing masks if not feeling well, no spitting, washing hands, tie up all refuse bags, cover all refuse bins, keep the home clean and with good ventilation etc;
4. Keeping close watch on the latest announcements and guidelines from the Centre of Health Protection;
5. Asking all contractors and service providers of cleaning, waste disposal, plumping and drainage, if any, to provide face masks to their workers and to report to related authority for any suspected case among workers;
6. Requesting contingency plans from contractors and service providers, if any, if there is confirmed case in the building, contractors should have extra task force to thoroughly disinfect the affected areas;
7. Scheduling to clean the fresh and flushing water tanks more frequently;
8. Monitoring renovation works in the building closely, ensuring proper ventilation in the renovation units and no blockage to the sewage system;
9. Immediately repairing leaking pipes at external walls or in the light wells. If water comes from residents' air-conditioners, responsible owners and/or residents should be alerted for urgent repairing work;
10. Being more alert to any suspected case among residents or visitors and to seek immediate advice and assistance from relevant authority if there is suspected case in the building;
11. To alert the hygiene of the surrounding buildings, public areas, rear lanes etc., and to immediately contact statutory department if the hygiene is poor; and
12. Not to breed or feed poultry at home or in any common areas of the building.

"Professional property management practitioners are well-trained to protect properties with their professional knowledge when it comes to disease control," said Ms Cora Yuen, President of HKIH. "If no property managers are employed for the building, residents are advised to seek relevant assistance to form owners' corporations or to employ professional property management companies, while residents should step up their disease prevention efforts and adopt the aforementioned measures to minimize risks of a possible flu epidemic."

About the Hong Kong Institute of Housing

The Hong Kong Institute of Housing was incorporated in Hong Kong on 29 November 1988. As at March 2013, the HKIH has over 2,600 members. Together, the HKIH's members are responsible for the management of not less than 70% of all the housing stock in Hong Kong. Members are engaged in the co-ordination and execution of housing services incorporating the design, provision, improvement, rehabilitation, management and administration of all types of housing. Apart from actively expanding local network, the HKIH is forging close links with property management associations and academic institutions in Taiwan, Macau and many parts of mainland China.