When I read the news today “Battle stations as Mexican brings swine flu to HK” - I was actually slightly peeved that it’s actually happened - here.  Peeved as a first response because the border patrols failed, but yet rational enough to think whether this could have been prevented.  I know HK is already obtaining travel history for travelers arriving to HK - but should they be quaratining people (for a period of say 24 hours) who have declared that they have recently traveled to Mexico?  This probably takes:

• Honesty and brutal truth from the traveler
• More tax dollars to commit to the resources

However, I think if it is effective, it will save the government money in the long run - especially if the virus is deflected away.  This isn’t a full-proof system though since you are relying on a few uncontrollable factors and the ROI on this type of investment isn’t clear - but is the ROI on safety ever clear?  HK authorities know that for most travel to Asia (from the West), they will be a stopping point.  HK is a hub and it’s always been a point of transfer for most travelers - so why not step up deterents at the border rather than wait for penetration?  You really have to think of this swine flu like war.  Better yet, it’s like Starcraft.  You have to build your defences so that the enemy doesn’t penetrate your critical units and structures.  It also means early detection and wiping out any potential risks.  Granted, the enemy doesn’t have a thought and isn’t able to rationalize like your average Starcraft player, but I guess this was the first thing that came to mind (no surprise from me!).

This also means I have to step up my hygience practices and saftey measures.  It also means I have to be extra vigilent in protecting myself and my family from illness (although that isn’t always the easier thing to do in HK unless you become a hermit and even then, that would be difficult). 

So yes, unfortunately, we have our first confirmed case in Hong Kong and hopefully the government’s fast action and lock down of the hotel which the traveler stayed at is cleansed and contained.  One can only hope.  Despite all the negative news going on though, I’m glad to know that H1N1 isn’t really as serious as the professionals originally thought.  There haven’t been any confirmed deaths outside of Mexico in relation to the swine flu and it seems most infected patients do recover.  Nevertheless, start buying your hand wipes and sanitizing your door knobs and washing your hands.  You can never be too careful.

(Those damn lurkers are really annoying.)