The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     In response to media enquiry, the spokesperson for Hospital Authority (HA) replies as follows:
 
     The HA noted that two confirmed cases of novel coronavirus infection had visited and participated in the meetings held at the HA Building on February 6 and 7.
      
     The HA will work with the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) on contact tracing. Both meetings were held before symptom onset of the concerned patients. All participants of the meetings have worn face masks. Investigations of the CHP are ongoing.
      
     One of the staff members participated only in the meeting on February 7 has sore throat this evening (February 17). He will be sent to the hospital for the test of novel coronavirus. No other staff members have expressed feeling discomfort.
      
     Since the commencement of the epidemic, the HA Head Office has arranged contractor to perform thorough cleansing and disinfection, and reminded colleagues to pay attention to personal hygiene, including wearing masks and washing hands frequently. The HA will further enhance cleansing in the building's common areas and meeting rooms. Video-conference will be arranged to reduce social contact where feasible.
      
     The HA will continue to work with the CHP to follow up the cases.
 

Ends/Monday, February 17, 2020
Issued at HKT 21:36

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