The Beijing Office of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (BJO) was concerned about a group of Hong Kong residents being quarantined in Beijing on a cultural exchange visit, said a Hong Kong government spokesman on Thursday.

The group, involving local secondary students and teachers, was put under medical observation in Beijing after a member was confirmed to have been infected with influenza A/H1N1.

BJO has maintained contact with the group and sent staff to visit those members in quarantine. They will continue to maintain close contact with the group and will render assistance in accordance with the situation, said the spokesman.

Residents who need assistance while outside Hong Kong may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit under the Hong Kong Immigration Department at (852) 1868.

(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2009)