Hongkong Post said today (January 26) that a postman of the General Post Office Delivery Office (GPO/DO) tested positive for COVID-19.
 
     The GPO/DO is not open to the public and is also separated from other working units, including the post office, in the same building. The postman last performed duty on January 23. On the same day, he was informed by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) that a contractor driver who had work contact with him was confirmed positive for COVID-19. As such, he was identified as a close contact and sent to the quarantine centre for isolation on January 24. Today, he was notified of his positive result while under quarantine.
 
     The postman concerned was responsible for the delivery duty for B/F to 6/F of Jardine House and Prince's Building in Central last week. Hongkong Post today sent staff to buildings that the postman concerned had visited for delivery and informed their respective management offices about the case. Notices have also been put up in these buildings to notify their commercial tenants of the situation. For further enquiry, members of the public may call the Mail Distribution Division's hotline 2723 3454 during office hours.
 
     The postman concerned was wearing a mask while working outdoors and inside the GPO/DO, and his body temperature was normal during temperature screening at work.
 
     After learning about the case at around noon today, Hongkong Post immediately arranged for the temporary closure of the GPO/DO until January 27, and for a thorough cleaning and disinfection of all the facilities and mail items in the GPO/DO pursuant to the guidelines set out by the CHP. Hongkong Post is rendering its full support to the CHP for its investigation and tracing efforts. All staff members of the GPO/DO were informed about the case and arranged to undergo COVID-19 testing. While awaiting the test results, the staff concerned will rest at home. Mail delivery service for the district (including Admiralty, the Peak, Mid-levels, Central, Sheung Wan, Sai Ying Pun and Kennedy Town) will be delayed during the said period. Hongkong Post apologises for the inconvenience caused.

     Hongkong Post has always attached great attention to the occupational health and safety of its staff by strictly implementing various infection prevention measures during the epidemic, including conducting body temperature screening for all staff members; providing them with protective gear such as face shields, protective goggles, masks, alcohol-based handrub, gloves and alcohol swabs; and requiring them to wear masks when performing duties and stepping up the cleaning of their working environment.
 
     Hongkong Post will continue to maintain close liaison with the CHP. Staff members are also reminded to take note of their personal hygiene and stay vigilant at all times, and they are also advised to seek medical advice immediately in case of feeling unwell.

Ends/Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Issued at HKT 20:05

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