DH Kennedy Town Community Complex Dental Clinic staff member preliminarily tests positive for COVID-19
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     The Department of Health announced today (August 13) that a staff member of its Kennedy Town Community Complex Dental Clinic has tested preliminarily positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tonight. In consideration of public health and hygiene, the clinic will be closed for thorough cleaning and disinfection immediately. Affected clients will be contacted to reschedule their service appointments, and the General Public Session of the clinic tomorrow (August 14) will be suspended.

     ​The staff member concerned is a clerical grade staff with no recent travel history. He is a household contact of a confirmed case announced today. He developed symptoms while waiting for admission to quarantine camp and was sent to hospital for testing. He was notified of the preliminary positive result tonight.

     The staff member last went to work yesterday. His body temperature was normal during temperature screening before commencing duty on that day. He wore a mask and followed relevant disease prevention measures at work. In the past 14 days of his duty, he mainly performed duties in the office and made no contact with members of the public at work.

     The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing are ongoing to identify and trace close contacts of the staff member.

     In view of the current epidemic situation, dental clinics have stepped up infection control measures, including temperature screening for all visitors before clinic entry and conducting health declaration. Dental services has been strictly implementing various disease prevention measures during the epidemic, which include providing employees with masks and other protective equipment, and stepping up the cleaning and sanitising measures of the clinics. All dental services' staff members are wearing mask at work and practising hand hygiene at all times. The DH is highly concerned about the COVID-19 situation and has reminded all staff again to maintain personal hygiene and be vigilant at all times. 

Ends/Thursday, August 13, 2020
Issued at HKT 23:25

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