The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has announced that as of 4pm today (July 5), the CHP was investigating 10 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 1 269 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 1 268 confirmed cases and one probable case).
      
     The newly reported cases announced today involve four males and six females aged between 16 and 59. Except cases 1 263 and 1 269, all had a travel history during the incubation period.
      
     The 1 263rd case involves a 41-year-old female with good past health who lives in Block B, Hung Yu Mansion, 155 – 169 Castle Peak Road. She developed throat itchiness on July 2 and fever and chills on July 3. Her deep throat saliva specimen was tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). She is now admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment.
      
     The patient had no travel history but had met the 46-year-old female patient of the 1233rd case on June 24. According to the CHP's initial epidemiological investigation, it is believed that the two cases are epidemiologically linked. The 41-year-old female patient works at a private clinic on Castle Peak Road, Cheung Sha Wan. Her close contacts at work will be sent to a quarantine centre for quarantine.
      
     The 1 269th case involves a 59-year-old male with good past health who lives in Yuk Shek House, Ping Shek Estate. He developed runny nose, dizziness and chills on June 30. The patient then developed diarrhoea on July 3 and attended a private practitioner in Ping Shek Estate on the same day. He was admitted to Yan Chai Hospital yesterday (July 4) and his respiratory specimen was tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The patient was later transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital for management.
      
     According to the information provided by the patient, he works at two restaurants respectively located at Ping Shek Estate and River Trade Terminal, Tuen Mun. Close contacts of the two restaurants concerned will be arranged for quarantine at a quarantine centre.
      
     As a precautionary measure for early detection of possible transmission into the community, the CHP starting today will distribute deep throat saliva specimens bottles to residents of the residence of cases 1 263 and 1 269 and to people who had visited the work premises of the two patients. The CHP appeals to the related persons to return their samples to the CHP as soon as possible for early testing and to seek medical attention early if symptoms develop.
      
     Members of the public who might have contact with the patients of the two cases above are urged to call the CHP's hotline 2125 1111 or 2125 1122.

     The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. For case details and contact tracing information, please see the Annex.
              
     The CHP again urged members of the public to maintain an appropriate social distance with other people as far as possible in their daily lives to minimise the risk of infection. In particular, they should go out less and avoid social activities such as meal gatherings or other gatherings to reduce the chance of contacting infected persons who may not present any symptoms, and minimise the risk of outbreak clusters emerging in the community.
               
     A spokesman for the CHP said, "Given that the situation of COVID-19 infection remains severe and that there is a continuous increase in the number of cases reported around the world, members of the public are strongly urged to avoid all non-essential travel outside Hong Kong.
      
     "The CHP also strongly urges the public 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. On a 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.
          
     "As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly, regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps) and cover all floor drain outlets when they are not in use. After using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs."
      
     Moreover, the Government has launched the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for announcing the latest updates on various news on COVID-19 infection and health advice to help the public understand the latest updates. Members of the public may also gain access to information via the COVID-19 WhatsApp Helpline launched by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer. Simply by saving 9617 1823 in their phone contacts or clicking the link wa.me/85296171823?text=hi, they will be able to obtain information on COVID-19 as well as the "StayHomeSafe" mobile app and wristband via WhatsApp.
      
     To prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infection, members of the public should always maintain good personal and environmental hygiene. They are advised to:
      
     • Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
     • Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, after touching public installations such as handrails or doorknobs, 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 litre of water into each drain outlet (U-trap) to ensure environmental hygiene;
     • Cover all floor drain outlets when they are not in use;
     • After using the toilet, put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs;
     • 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.

Ends/Sunday, July 5, 2020
Issued at HKT 21:48

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