CHP investigates COVID-19 preliminary positive imported case at Grand Promenade in Sai Wan Ho
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The case involves a 55-year-old male patient who lives at Tower 1, Grand Promenade, 38 Tai Hong Street, Sai Wan Ho. He is a staff member of the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in the Hong Kong SAR, PRC. He left Hong Kong on August 22 for Russia and returned to Hong Kong on October 5 by flight AY101 via Finland from Russia. His specimen collected upon arrival in the Temporary Specimen Collection Centre at Hong Kong International Airport was negative for COVID-19. He then underwent self-isolation at home under the relevant arrangement for exempted persons, during which he underwent compulsory testing on specified testing dates in accordance with the relevant requirements. The sample he submitted on October 14 tested preliminarily positive, with a Ct value of about 15-16. His specimen carried the L452R mutant strain (but was negative for the N501Y and E484K strains).
The patient has been asymptomatic and received two doses of COVID-19 vaccination (CoronaVac) on June 29 and July 27 in Hong Kong. According to information provided by the patient, he had stayed at home after his arrival.
As the patient had stayed in Hong Kong during the past 21 days, the Government has adopted a prudent measure and will make a "restriction-testing declaration" tonight for the building where the patient resided in Hong Kong (Tower 1, Grand Promenade, 38 Tai Hong Street, Sai Wan Ho).
Epidemiological investigation and contact tracing of the case will continue.
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 urged 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 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).
Ends/Friday, October 15, 2021
Issued at HKT 18:55
Issued at HKT 18:55
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