CHP provides latest information on pneumonia cases of novel coronavirus infection in Mainland
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (January 20) provides the latest information on the pneumonia cases of novel coronavirus infection detected in the Mainland again. The public is again urged to maintain strict personal, food and environmental hygiene both locally and during travel.
 
     According to the information from the Beijing Municipal Health Commission, three additional pneumonia cases of novel coronavirus infection were reported in Beijing today. The patients, comprising two males and one female, had either visited or resided in Wuhan. Two of them are in stable condition while one is in critical condition. So far, a total of five confirmed cases have been reported in Beijing.
 
     Meanwhile, Shanghai Municipal Health Commission reported its first pneumonia case of novel coronavirus infection today. The case involved a 56-year-old woman coming from Wuhan. She is in a stable condition.
 
     Separately, the Health Commission of Guangdong Province reported that an addition of 13 pneumonia cases of novel coronavirus infection were reported today, with eight in Shenzhen, three in Zhuhai and one each in Zhanjiang and Huizhou. The patients comprised 8 males and 5 females. Eleven of them had history of living in or travelling to Wuhan while two had close contacts with confirmed patients. Among the new cases, four are in serious condition and two are in critical condition. No fatal cases have been recorded. So far, a total of 14 confirmed cases have been reported in Guangdong.

     A spokesman for the CHP said, "The CHP will continue to maintain its liaison with the National Health Commission, the World Health Organization and the relevant overseas health authorities, and closely monitor the situation for risk assessment."
 
     The spokesman reminded the public to avoid close contact with persons with fever or respiratory symptoms in countries/areas with possible transmission of the novel coronavirus infection. If it is unavoidable to come into contact with them, put on a surgical mask and continue to do so until 14 days after returning to Hong Kong.
 
      A dedicated webpage (www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102465.html) has been set up by the CHP to provide relevant information and health advice on Severe Respiratory Disease associated with a Novel Infectious Agent. Information on the affected countries/areas is available from the following webpage: www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/statistics_of_the_cases_novel_coronavirus_infection.pdf.
 
     To prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infection, members of the public should always maintain good personal and environmental hygiene. They are advised to:

• Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the
mouth, nose or eyes; after touching public installations such as handrails or door knobs; or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
• Maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly (about once a week) pour about half a liter of water into each drain outlet (U-traps) to ensure environmental hygiene;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, performing hand hygiene with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub is an effective alternative;
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly; and
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending class at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly.
 
     The public should take heed of the health advice below when travelling outside Hong Kong:

• Avoid close contact with persons with fever or respiratory symptoms in countries/areas with possible transmission of the novel coronavirus infection. If it is unavoidable to come into contact with them, put on a surgical mask and continue to do so until 14 days after returning to Hong Kong;
• Avoid visiting hospitals. If it is necessary to visit a hospital, put on a surgical mask and observe strict personal and hand hygiene;
• Avoid touching animals (including game), poultry/birds or their droppings;
• Avoid visiting wet markets, live poultry markets or farms;
• Avoid making close contact with patients, especially those with symptoms of acute respiratory infections;
• Do not consume game meat and do not patronise food premises where game meat is served;
• Adhere to food safety and hygiene rules such as avoiding consuming raw or undercooked animal products, including milk, eggs and meat, or foods which may be contaminated by animal secretions, excretions (such as urine) or contaminated products, unless they have been properly cooked, washed or peeled;
• If feeling unwell when outside Hong Kong, especially if experiencing a fever or cough, wear a surgical mask, inform the hotel staff or tour escort and seek medical advice at once; and
• After returning to Hong Kong, consult a doctor promptly if experiencing a fever or other symptoms, take the initiative to inform the doctor of any recent travel history and any exposure to animals, and wear a surgical mask to help prevent spread of the disease.

Ends/Monday, January 20, 2020
Issued at HKT 22:40

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