The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 29) said that it is following up on a positive case of COVID-19 with the preliminary test result involving N501Y mutant strain. As N501Y mutant strain is with high transmissibility, the CHP decided to carry out prudent measures on infection control and prevention to arrange compulsory quarantine for asymptomatic residents of all units on all floors of the building concerned, so as to stop the potential risk of spread of N501Y mutant strain.
 
     The above case involves a 39-year-old woman who is a domestic helper and a 10-month-old baby girl who lives with her is also a positive case. They resided at Tower 11, Carmel Cove, Caribbean Coast, 1 Kin Tung Road, Tung Chung, and the CHP will transfer asymptomatic residents of all units on all floors of the building (involving about 400 units) to quarantine centres; symptomatic residents will be sent to the hospital for treatment. They will undergo compulsory quarantine for 21 days.
 
     Meanwhile, as the positive case involving N501Y mutant strain had visited St. Thomas the Apostle Church at 5 Tsing Luk Street in Tsing Yi on April 11 and 18, a compulsory testing notice will be issued to require people who have stayed there on either April 11 or 18 (including visitors and workers), to undergo testing by May 1. The CHP has also arranged compulsory quarantine for the close contacts who had attended church gathering with the woman, and has informed household members of close contacts to undergo compulsory testing in accordance with the compulsory testing notice. The CHP urged those who have completed the testing to avoid going out until the test result is ascertained.
 
     As today's positive case and the confirmed case (11730) involving N501Y mutant strain earlier are both domestic helpers, the CHP urged employers to remind their domestic helpers to avoid gatherings, food sharing and other social activities. If they have to attend gatherings, they should wear a mask at all times, wash their hands frequently and maintain social distancing so as to safeguard their personal health. Employers are also urged to pay attention to the health condition of their domestic helpers and they should seek medical attention immediately if symptoms develop.
 
     The CHP said that as there is a locally infected case of COVID-19 with unknown source involving N501Y mutant strain, it is imperative for people to get vaccinated. As the Government has launched the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, the CHP appeals to members of the public to get vaccinated as early as possible to protect themselves and others. Details of the programme can be found at the designated website (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk).

Ends/Thursday, April 29, 2021
Issued at HKT 22:45

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