The Lai King Correctional Institution last night (November 28) learned that a correctional officer of Rehabilitation Unit has preliminarily tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

     The staff member last performed her duties this Tuesday (November 24) and was notified by Centre for Health Protection (CHP) on the same day that she had visited an outside hospital ward where a confirmed case was hospitalised thereat when she was off duty last week, she was therefore regarded as close contact of the case. She was arranged to undergo quarantine at Penny's Bay Quarantine Centre the next day (November 25) and was notified last night to have preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19. The staff member is now admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital for treatment. The staff member has no recent travel history. She has been wearing surgical masks when performing duties and has properly maintained social distancing with people she has had contact with. Her body temperature was normal when undergoing temperature screening at work.

     Having noticed that the staff member was arranged to undergo quarantine this midweek, the Correctional Services Department (CSD) instantly arranged all persons in custody in the institution and relevant correctional officers having close contact with her to take COVID-19 testing and all specimens were tested negative. 

     The CSD has liaised with the CHP and follow up the advice given. Thorough cleaning and disinfection has also been arranged immediately by the institution for the locations concerned, testing will again be arranged for all persons in custody and staff of the institution.

     CSD is highly concerned about the epidemic of COVID-19 and has remained highly vigilant since the epidemic broke out. Relevant hygienic measures for prevention of infectious diseases have been strictly implemented in accordance with the established mechanism. In addition, a series of disease prevention and disinfection measures have been put in place, including requiring staff members to check body temperatures and wear masks before and when performing duties. All working locations in the institution also undergo cleaning and disinfection regularly. The persons in custody and staff members are also reminded by the management to have medical consultation promptly if they have any discomforting symptoms.

Ends/Sunday, November 29, 2020
Issued at HKT 14:02

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