The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 9) said as three cases tested positive and a case tested preliminarily positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus recently occurred at Mei Sun Building, 4-20 Kau Hui Chik Street, Tai Po, which involved units D at two different floors, the CHP is proactively following up to investigate whether the infection of the case tested preliminarily positive are related to the three cases tested positive earlier, so as to stop the potential risk of further spread of the virus.
      
     In view of the case 12854 tested positive earlier resided at Mei Sun Building, the Government made a "restriction-testing declaration" for the building on January 6 and no case that tested positive was found. Two of her household contacts living together (cases 12909 and 12910 announced today), who were sent to quarantine facility on January 7, later tested positive. The CHP has found another case tested preliminarily positive today who is a 66-year-old female resident in unit D at another floor. She underwent compulsory testing yesterday in accordance with relevant requirement and her sample tested preliminarily positive.
      
     The CHP has co-ordinated with related Government departments and experts today and conducted a site inspection today to the concerned floors and units of Mei Sun Building to investigate and examine if environmental factors were involved in the infection of the case tested preliminarily positive. The CHP has also collected environmental samples in the units concerned. The CHP took into account the opinions from experts and decided to carry out prudent measures on infection control. The DH will issue quarantine orders to asymptomatic residents of unit D on 6th Floor to 24th Floor of Mei Sun Building and transfer them to quarantine facility; symptomatic residents will be sent to the hospital for treatment. The Government will also make a "restriction-testing declaration" again for Mei Sun Building tonight.

     In light of the case tested positive earlier, persons who resided or worked within the same building as the residence of relevant cases will be subject to compulsory testing on specified dates in accordance with the announcement by the DH. They will also be required to undergo self-monitoring until the 21st day (see the details of the buildings and dates of testing at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/CTN_Specified_premises_and_Dates_of_Testing.pdf).

     The CHP strongly reminded that members of the public to strictly follow the compulsory testing requirements and undergo the multiple tests on time as required. The compulsory testing requirement applies to those who have completed a COVID-19 vaccination course as well. The Government will seriously verify whether they had complied with the testing notices. Any person who fails to comply with the testing notices commits an offence and may be fined a fixed penalty of $5,000. The person would also be issued with a compulsory testing order requiring him or her to undergo testing within a specified time frame. Failure to comply with the order is an offence and the offender would be liable to a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and imprisonment for six months. Relevant officers of different government departments are empowered to perform certain functions under the relevant Regulations under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599), including requesting individuals to provide information and assistance when necessary. Any person who fails to comply with the relevant request commits an offence and would be liable to a fine at level 3 ($10,000). The Government reiterates that the aim of issuing a compulsory testing notice is to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community as soon as possible to protect overall public health and safety.
      

Ends/Sunday, January 9, 2022
Issued at HKT 21:07

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