Code-named Great Wall, the exercise aimed to test the emergency response and notification mechanism of the three regions in handling cross-border public health emergencies.

The exercise was conducted simultaneously on the mainland, Hong Kong and Macau yesterday morning. About 40 public health professionals participated in the desktop communication exercise through channels such as telephone, facsimile and e-mail.

About 10 participants from Hong Kong Health, Welfare and Food Bureau, Department of Health and Hospital Authority took part in the drill.

The exercise depicted a scenario whereby a suspected human case of avian influenza was detected on the mainland. The Ministry of Health immediately notified the health authorities in Hong Kong and Macau of the case.

As the patient had traveled to Hong Kong and Macau before the onset of illness, the Center for Health Protection of the Department of Health and the Health Bureau in Macau immediately started an epidemiological investigation and implemented emergency response measures. The two authorities also notified the Ministry of Health of their investigation results.

The exercise ended when the Hong Kong and Macau authorities received notification from the mainland that the patient had recovered and was discharged from hospital.

The Hong Kong Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food York Chow visited the CHP's Emergency Response Center to observe the exercise.

"Exercise Great Wall further strengthens the communication and collaboration among the three places in emergency preparedness and response to a public health crisis," he said.