Pedestrians don surgical masks to guard themselves against the Wuhan pneumonia in Hong Kong, Jan 8, 2020. (CALVIN NG/CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – The Hong Kong government has stepped up precautions against the Wuhan pneumonia ahead of the peak travel season of the Chinese New Year.

READ MORE: Thailand finds 2nd case of Wuhan virus, says no outbreak

Speaking to reporters on Friday morning, the city’s Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan assured the public that the government was fully prepared for a large number of incoming travelers to Hong Kong.

On Thursday, the government held the second Steering Committee meeting on the response for the infectious disease, a few days after the World Health Organization said there was a risk of limited human-to-human transmission of the Wuhan disease.

Chan said that the surveillance at all border control checkpoints has been stepped up and all travelers from Wuhan are required to undergo temperature screening upon arrival.

ALSO READ: China says 2nd person has died in Wuhan pneumonia outbreak

Hospitals, schools, wet markets and hotels have been asked to enhance cleaning and disinfection, Chan said.

All private clinics, including traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, are required to alert health authorities of any suspected cases.