CHP investigates six additional confirmed cases of COVID-19
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The newly reported cases are imported cases. Among them, case 12247 involves a 43-year-old female patient who is a foreign domestic helper. She arrived in Hong Kong on September 4 from Indonesia by flight CX2780. The specimen collected upon arrival in the Temporary Specimen Collection Centre at Hong Kong International Airport was negative for COVID-19. The results of five tests during the compulsory quarantine period at the designated quarantine facility (Silka Tsuen Wan) were also negative. Upon completion of the compulsory quarantine on September 25, she returned to the residence provided by her employer (Block 37, Heng Fa Chuen, Chai Wan). The patient has been asymptomatic. She underwent another test on October 3 and the test result was indeterminate, and she was subsequently sent to a hospital. Her sample collected in the hospital on October 4 tested positive for COVID-19 but her sample collected on October 5 tested negative for COVID-19. Also, she tested positive in an antibody test. After examining the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory findings, this case is considered compatible with a re-positive case. She received two doses of COVID-19 vaccination (CoronaVac) on July 19 and August 16 in Indonesia. Preliminary investigations revealed that the patient visited Victoria Park on October 1 and 3. As a prudent measure, the places where she resided and visited in Hong Kong during the incubation period have been included in a compulsory testing notice.
A total of 71 cases have been reported in the past 14 days (September 22 to October 5) and all of them are imported cases.
In view of the fact that many recent imported cases have joined non-essential travel after vaccination, the spokesman for the CHP stressed, "The global situation of COVID-19 infection remains severe and there is a continuous increase in the number of cases involving mutant strains that carry higher transmissibility, and there are also reports of breakthrough infections in some vaccinated individuals. The CHP strongly urges members of the public to avoid all non-essential travel outside Hong Kong, in particular to specified places with high risk under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H)."
The spokesman reminded, "If travel is unavoidable, the CHP highly recommends the public to be fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines before their departure. They should avoid participating in non-essential mass gatherings or events held outside Hong Kong. They should continue to wear a surgical mask and maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene at all times. Parents are also urged to avoid taking unvaccinated children travelling."
The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. For case details and contact tracing information, please see the Annex or the list of buildings with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and the latest local situation of COVID-19 available on the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk). The DH has also been closely monitoring the mutant strains of SARS CoV-2 and has uploaded the relevant information on Variants of Concern (VOCs) and Variants of Interest (VOIs), based on whole genome sequencing results, to the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/statistics/data/10/641/100135/6973.html). The data will be updated regularly.
The Government has launched the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. Members of the public are encouraged to get vaccinated. Details of the programme can be found at the designated website (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk). Generally speaking, COVID-19 vaccination can prevent COVID-19 infection, and if infected, reduce the risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19.
The CHP called on members of the public to pay attention to their health condition, seek medical advice early and undergo COVID-19 nucleic acid testing as soon as possible if respiratory symptoms develop. They should also maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene at all times to protect themselves against infection and prevent the spread of the disease in the community.
On a personal level, members of the public should put on a surgical mask when they need to go out. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask. Hand hygiene should be performed frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, after touching public installations such as handrails or doorknobs, or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing. Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds, then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, performing hand hygiene with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub is an effective alternative. Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly.
To ensure household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly (about once a week) by pouring about half a litre of water into each drain outlet (U-trap). They should also pay attention to hygiene when using the toilet by putting the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs.
Ends/Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Issued at HKT 15:00
Issued at HKT 15:00
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