sustainabilityreport2003.pdf

Case Study: Outbreak of SARS in Hong Kong
In March 2003, the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Hong Kong had
caused serious concern as the disease was developing rapidly with an increasing number of
reported cases, especially in Amoy Gardens. The latter is just east of the Kowloon Bay MTR
Headquarters and station, and just east of Telford Plaza and Telford Gardens, MTR managed
property and estate. At the outset, little was known how the disease was transmitted. In the
same month last year, the World Health Organisation issued a global alert on SARS and
imposed travel advisories on affected areas. Suspension of classes at schools and universities
in Hong Kong then followed suit. Consequently, MTR operations were impacted with a drastic
downturn in urban line and Airport Express service as well as a direct effect from Amoy Gardens
on Headquarters personnel. Ridership also fell by 25% during the peak months of SARS (See
Figure 5.2).
Following the outbreak of SARS, MTR proactively set up an internal infrastructure for
disseminating health information to staff and protecting employees who were particularly
vulnerable. The latter included pregnant women who were excused from work at MTR’s
headquarters.
To protect its passengers, MTR took a number of precautionary measures to prevent spread of
the disease. MTR employed 150 additional cleaners to undertake intensive and frequent
cleaning of stations and train facilities during peak hours. Ventilation was enhanced in stations
by pumping in more fresh air in addition to cool air generated by chillers. Furthermore,
additional manpower was deployed to inspect the ventilation systems of trains. Cleaning was
also stepped up at the 19 housing estates, four office buildings and four shopping malls
managed by MTR.
In addition, MTR gave out free antiseptic hand towels at counters in two stations. A donation
box was placed at each counter to raise funds for the Community Chest. MTR raised over
HK$500,000 through the sale of gift packages for HK$10 during the 2003 Easter holiday and
directed the money to a fund for the welfare of local medical staff.
In order to prevent the resurgence of the disease, MTR prepared a Corporate Master Plan for
Combating SARS in December 2003. The Plan adopts a three-level approach by the HKSAR
Government, viz Alert Level, Level 1 and Level 2. Different courses of action will be taken under
the different Levels.
MTR CORPORATION SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2003
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