The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 1) said that it is investigating a preliminary positive local case of COVID-19 from an unknown source involving the L452R mutant strain. 
 
     The case involves a 41-year-old female patient who lives at Port Centre in Aberdeen. She has been asymptomatic and was tested preliminarily positive via the regular testing for hotel staff members on June 30. Her specimen carried the L452R mutant strain (but it is negative to N501Y and E484K strains).
 
     The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the above case are ongoing. Preliminary information revealed that she has no recent travel history and worked as a part-time cleaner at Bridal Tea House Hotel (a designated quarantine hotel) in Yau Ma Tei. She last went to work on July 1. She also worked part-time to provide cleansing service at Bluejay Residences in Ap Lei Chau and House 2, 12A South Bay Road in Repulse Bay, where she last went to work on June 27 and 29 respectively.
 
     As mutant strains carry higher transmissibility, the CHP has to carry out prudent measures on infection control, so as to stop the potential risk of spreading the virus. The Government will make a restriction-testing declaration towards Port Centre in Aberdeen tonight. Residents of the building would also be subject to compulsory testing on Days 3, 7, 12 and 19 counting from the day on which the case is confirmed.
 
     Moreover, the patient's workplaces and the places she had visited during the incubation and infectious period will be included in a compulsory testing notice. People who had been present at the relevant venues at specified periods need to undergo compulsory testing on or before the specified date.
 
     The CHP's investigation reveals that the patient has not received COVID-19 vaccination. Epidemiological investigation and contact tracing of the case will continue.

     The CHP also urges all individuals who are in doubt about their own health condition, or individuals with exposure to infection risk, to undergo testing promptly for early identification of infected persons. Moreover, the Government has launched the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. Members of the public are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Details of the programme can be found at the designated website (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk).

Ends/Thursday, July 1, 2021
Issued at HKT 19:25

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