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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Regarding yesterday's announcement on a cluster of patients infected with Coronavirus NL63 in a male ward for severe intellectual disability, the spokesperson for Siu Lam Hospital made the following update today (March 17):
One more 67-year-old patient in the ward has presented with respiratory symptoms. Appropriate viral tests were arranged for the patient and the test result was positive for Coronavirus NL63. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in a stable condition. Coronavirus NL63 is a known human coronavirus, which usually causes mild respiratory infections such as common cold.
Admission to the ward has been suspended and restricted visiting has been imposed. Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the ward are under close surveillance.
The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
Ends/Thursday, March 17, 2016
Issued at HKT 12:40
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