The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 5) said that it is following up on local cases involving N501Y mutant strain aiming at identifying the possible source of infection of the cases. With extensive contact tracing investigations by the Contact Tracing Office, the centre has confirmed further details of the itinerary of cases 11643 and 11672.
 
     The CHP's epidemiological investigation revealed that cases 11643 and 11672 attended a family gathering with relatives of case 11672 on April 13 at Fung Hing House of Hing Wah (II) Estate in Chai Wan. Subsequently, three of the attendees of that gathering had another gathering at their home at 37 Fuk Wing Street in Sham Shui Po, with cases 11773, 11793 and 11797 on April 18.
 
     In accordance with the latest information, the CHP has immediately arranged attendees of both gatherings to undergo compulsory quarantine.
 
     A Compulsory Testing Notice (CTN) will be issued to request people who stayed at 37 Fuk Wing Street in Sham Shui Po from April 15 to May 5 to undergo compulsory testing before May 7. A CTN regarding Fung Hing House of Hing Wah (II) Estate in Chai Wan was issued on May 3 due to result of sewage sample tests. People who have stayed in that building from April 20 to May 3 have to undergo testing by May 6 according to the CTN.
 
     CTNs will also be issued regarding the workplaces of two attendees of the above gathering (Urban Bakery Works at Shop 322, 3/F, Landmark Atrium and Oliver's the Delicatessen at Shop 201-2, 2/F, Landmark Prince's). People who had been present at the two places from April 15 to May 5 have to undergo testing by May 7.
 
     In view of the latest epidemiological investigation, the CHP has updated the classification of cases 11773 and 11793 from local case to epidemiologically linked with local case.
 
     The CHP's epidemiological investigations on the confirmed cases are ongoing and close contacts identified will be put under compulsory quarantine.
 
     Meanwhile, the CHP reminded those who had visited specified venues under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) to receive COVID-19 nucleic acid testing according to the compulsory testing notice. The Regulation also requires all household members of close contacts of confirmed cases to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test within a specified period according to compulsory testing notices published in the Gazette. The public are also urged to seek medical attention early if symptoms develop and undergo testing as soon as possible.
 
     The CHP said that in view of the threat posed by the 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/Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Issued at HKT 20:45

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