Health officials slam Hong Kong Disneyland over primary promotion

Hong Kong Disneyland has come under fire from medical chiefs for offering primary school children unlimited visits for a special price during their enforced holidays.

From noon today until the end of the month, primary school children will be able to make as many visits as they like for just HK$250.

A spokeswoman said Disneyland's special offer is in response to the two-week suspension of classes and to help children fill in the time.

However, the offer runs against the advice of Secretary for Education Michael Suen Ming-yeung who, in announcing school closures, also told parents to exercise discretion when taking their children to public areas.

Health chief York Chow Yat-ngok was more direct.

"We have told Disney they should not use this moment to promote businesses. Our decision to suspend classes is to let the children stay at home instead of going out for fun. Children should try to stay home as much as possible," Chow said.

"Should they go out, they should avoid places which are crowded. If parents decide to take their children to playgrounds, they should be sure their children are healthy without symptoms.

"However, [Disney] should not give people any incentive [to bring their children there] - we have made our stance very clear to Disney."

The special offer has also attracted the ire of Hong Kong Medical Association chairman Tse Hung-hing.

"[Disney] is not responding to what is being proposed by the government. This is not going to help in the prevention of the spread of swine flu," Tse said. He said the company is "not acting properly" but stopped short of calling the move irresponsible saying it is not responsible for public health.

A Disney spokeswoman said the promotion would go ahead as planned.

The theme park's 400-member hygiene team would guarantee cleanliness and touch- screen surfaces and exhibits will be sanitized every half an hour. Guests will be required to fill in health declaration forms.

She said a theme park survey found 98 percent of respondents satisfied with hygiene conditions.

A spokeswoman for Ocean Park said it has no plans for any school closure promotions.

However, the park will heighten its hygiene alert and there will be health stations where voluntary temperature tests, free masks and alcohol hand sanitizers will be available.