A male police officer preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19
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     After four police officers, who are posted to the Airport Police District, tested positive or preliminary positive for the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) earlier, another male police officer, who did not have close contact with the above officers, was preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19. The 46-year-old male police officer is a dog handler of Police Dog Unit and stationed at Airport Police District. He received COVID-19 test on December 9 and did not feel unwell at that time. Preliminary results released today (December 11) showed that he was tested positive for COVID-19. He had no travel history over the past 14 days and wore face masks all the time while coming in contact with members of the public. He last attended work yesterday (December 10).

     Police are highly concerned and have the following messages for the public:

     (1) While awaiting further assessment and recommendations from the Department of Health (DH), officers that might have come into close contact with the police officer have been arranged to quarantine for observation and undergo tests for the virus;

     (2) Police have deployed staff to clean and disinfect the premises where the officer works in;

     (3) Police have reminded officers to maintain personal hygiene and reduce social contact to minimise the risk of infection. They should immediately report their cases and consult a doctor if they feel unwell;

     (4) Police will deploy resources flexibly to ensure the provision of emergency services remains unaffected; and

     (5) Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has arranged the dog concerned to undergo COVID-19 testing.

     Police will continue to maintain close communication with the DH and proactively provide information such as the recent duty record and roster of the police officer concerned. Arrangements will be made for close contacts to be conveyed to quarantine centres to undergo quarantine.   

Ends/Friday, December 11, 2020
Issued at HKT 16:02

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