The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (February 14) announced that the tests on novel coronavirus for asymptomatic residents of the A07 units of Hong Mei House, Cheung Hong Estate in Tsing Yi had been completed. All 101 samples tested negative for novel coronavirus.
 
​     Meanwhile, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Housing Department (HD) have already conducted thorough cleaning and disinfection for all the A07 units of Hong Mei House. The HD's technical inspection teams led by Maintenance Surveyors have also completed the inspection of vent pipe in the units concerned and carried out necessary follow-up. As such, the residents concerned may leave quarantine centres tomorrow. Shuttle bus service will be provided to them for returning home.
 
​     The CHP will continue the contact tracing on the four confirmed cases of Hong Mei House.
 
​     A spokesman for the CHP said, "According to the preliminary epidemiological investigation by the CHP, some of the confirmed cases are local cases. The public is strongly urged to maintain at all times strict personal and environmental hygiene which is key to personal protection against infection and prevention of the spread of the disease in the community."
 
     The spokesman said, "On the personal level, members of the public should wear a surgical mask when having respiratory symptoms, taking public transport or staying in crowded places. They should also perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes. The public should go out less and reduce social activities, and maintain appropriate social distance with other people as far as possible."
 
     "As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps); after using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs."
 
​     For other health advice and information, please visit the CHP's dedicated webpage (www.gov.hk/ncv) on novel coronavirus infection.
 
     The CHP has set up a hotline (2125 1122), which operates from 8am to midnight daily, for public enquiries.

Ends/Friday, February 14, 2020
Issued at HKT 23:15

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