The Department of Health (DH) today (February 15) said three service units need to be closed for thorough cleaning and disinfection after two clients and a staff member tested preliminarily positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Staff had contacted affected clients to reschedule their service appointments.

     A newborn baby, accompanied by his parents, visited Yaumatei Maternal and Child Health Centre (MCHC) on February 14 for child health service. Attending doctor at the MCHC referred the baby to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for his condition and was informed later by hospital staff that the baby tested preliminarily positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. His parents wore face mask throughout their stay in MCHC and staff members of MCHC wore appropriate personal protective equipment. The MCHC was closed this afternoon.

     A patient visited the Sai Ying Pun Dental Clinic (SYPDC) 8/F on February 14. The DH received notification from the patient today that he tested preliminarily positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The patient wore face mask while waiting for treatment at the dental clinic. Medical staff wore masks with suitable personal protective equipment. The SYPDC will be closed tomorrow (February 16).

     A clerical staff member who works at Kwun Tong Dental Clinic (KTDC) has tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus through rapid antigen testing today. The staff mainly performs clerical duty and occasionally performs registration and booking duties at the reception with glass barrier. He kept an appropriate social distance from clients and wore appropriate personal protective equipment while performing duties. He last went to work on February 11. KTDC will be closed today and tomorrow. 

     The CHP will conduct epidemiological investigations and contact tracing of the relevant cases. In view of the current epidemic situation, MCHC and dental clinics have stepped up infection control measures, including temperature screening before clinic entry, limiting number of accompanying carers, etc. MCHCs and the Dental Services have been strictly implementing various disease prevention measures during the epidemic, which include providing employees with masks and other protective equipment, and stepping up the cleaning and sanitising measures of the clinics. All staff members are wearing masks at work and practising hand hygiene at all times. The DH is highly concerned about the COVID-19 situation and has reminded all staff again to maintain personal hygiene and be vigilant at all times. If feeling unwell, they should seek medical attention immediately.

Ends/Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Issued at HKT 20:20

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