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  • #91
    Nannies and maids asked not to go out on their day off.

    Hong Kong domestic helpers have been asked to stay home on their day off (usually a Sunday) instead of congregating in groups in the public areas of the city.

    https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2020/01/...ml?type=ticker
    The Labour Department today appealed to foreign domestic helpers to stay home on their rest day to safeguard their personal health and help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus in the community.

    They are also encouraged to stay away from crowds on public transport or at public places on their rest day. Those who need to go out are advised to wear a surgical mask and to avoid staying in crowded places.

    Foreign helpers or their employers who have visited the Mainland recently should wear a surgical mask and stay home for 14 days upon return to Hong Kong as far as possible.

    The department urged employers to explain the special circumstances when discussing rest day arrangements with their foreign helpers and called for mutual understanding.

    It also reminded employers not to compel foreign helpers to work on their rest day, or they will be in breach of the Employment Ordinance and liable to a maximum fine of $50,000.

    Click here or call the hotline at 2125 1122 for further health advice on preventing pneumonia and respiratory tract infection. Information in Tagalog, Bahasa Indonesia, Thai, Hindi, Nepali and Urdu is also available online.


    Comment


    • #92
      1,600 Hubei residents have attempted to enter Hong Kong, turned by immigration officials at the boundary.

      https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/compone...7-20200130.htm

      Authorities also searched hotels and found 15 Wuhan residents in Hong Kong hotels.

      Comment


      • #93
        Jan 30 -- 95 Wuhan-related cases reported to hospitals over past 24 hours.

        https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2020/01/...ml?type=ticker

        The Hospital Authority said public hospitals, as of noon today and over the past 24 hours, admitted 95 patients who met the reporting criteria of novel coronavirus infection.

        The patients include 49 males and 46 females aged between 14 months and 100. Their specimens have been sent to the Department of Health for testing.

        There are currently 139 patients under isolation. Among them, 135 are in stable condition while three patients are in serious condition and one is in critical condition.

        The authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.

        Comment


        • #94
          Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0013000689.htm Government increases supply of surgical masks through multi-pronged approach
          ************************************************** ***************


          In response to widespread public concern and anxiety about the supply of surgical masks in Hong Kong, a Government spokesman today (January 30) said that owing to the spread of disease which gives rise to keen global demand, the supply of surgical masks is expected to remain tight in the short term. The spokesman stressed that the Government has been working proactively to increase the overall supply of surgical masks with a multi-pronged approach.

          Given the assessment by experts that the disease may last for a period of time and that there are confirmed cases in various countries and districts, the demand for surgical masks has risen sharply, causing difficulties in procurement. As the supply of surgical masks is tight in the short term, experts have advised the Government to continue the measures to minimise contacts among people and take a risk-based approach by prioritising the distribution of surgical masks to the personnel in need, in particular healthcare workers.

          The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, convened the fourth meeting of the Steering Committee cum Command Centre in relation to the Novel Coronavirus today. Having regard to the advice of experts, the Steering Committee cum Command Centre considered that it is necessary to prioritise the supply of surgical masks. Priority should be given to healthcare workers and personnel providing care services (including front-line healthcare workers, nursing staff in institutions, healthcare personnel in private clinics); people who provide essential services and need to contact the public at work (such as those providing public transport, emergency services and immigration services) and other members of the public with practical needs. Other members of the public should go out less and pay attention to personal hygiene, minimising the need to use surgical masks.

          The Steering Committee cum Command Centre has reviewed the work of various government departments and the Hospital Authority (HA) in relation to the supply of surgical masks.

          (1) All relevant government departments and the HA has all along maintained a certain number of masks as stockpile. Their consumption rate over the past month, however, was five to six times the previous rate owing to the disease outbreak. The current stockpile of surgical masks kept by the Government Logistics Department (GLD) can meet the operational needs of all relevant government departments, in particular front-line officers (such as staff members of the Department of Health, the Immigration Department and the Customs and Excise Department, as well as ambulancemen of the Fire Services Department), for about one to two months. The HA's current stockpile of surgical masks, taking into account the orders placed, is adequate for about three months' consumption, although the stockpile has diminished owing to the increased consumption rate recently. The stockpile of the care centres is even less. The Government has proactively increased the overall supply. The GLD is sourcing globally and has contacted more than 220 suppliers from over 10 countries. It strives to remove all the unnecessary procedures provided that the quality of masks will not be compromised. The economic and trade offices outside Hong Kong are in parallel identifying suppliers of surgical masks in their respective regions. Nearly five million surgical masks which the Government has ordered over the past month has been delivered to Hong Kong since last week.

          (2) On the supply of masks in the market, the Government is maintaining close contact with members of local chambers of commerce and the retail industry and collaborating with the Mainland Authorities to facilitate clearance so as to speed up their delivery to the market. The Government has also contacted the Hong Kong-invested mask suppliers in the Mainland, requesting for an enhanced production of surgical masks for Hong Kong. Their response is positive in general. Since mid-January, the Government has, through the collaboration of the customs authorities in the two places, facilitated a supply of nearly eight million surgical masks, which have arrived or will soon arrive in Hong Kong. It is also rendering assistance to another batch involving more than 24 million masks to be delivered to Hong Kong. The Government will continue to liaise with the relevant Mainland departments. It appeals to retailers to arrange for the sales of surgical masks to the public at a usual price level as soon as possible upon their delivery to Hong Kong.

          (3) In addition to imports, the Government strives to explore local production. The Correctional Services Department will try to extend production to 24 hours, increasing the production from 1.1 million to 1.8 million per month. The Government has also contacted the only local producer of surgical masks, which has already enhanced the overall outputs from 800 000 a month to 1.6 million. The Government would welcome merchants to relocate the production lines to Hong Kong to increase local supply. The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau will provide full facilitation;

          (4) Recently, some surgical masks have been donated by some private organisations to the HA and a small quantity was donated to the Government. As regards these donated masks, the Labour and Welfare Bureau will later liaise with non-governmental organisations to help distribute to the people in need through such channels as food banks. The Government appeals for more donation of surgical masks by private organisations and it will arrange to distribute them to people in need;

          (5) The Government has identified some small-scale surgical mask suppliers and will help organisations in need to procure from them. For example, the Government is getting in touch with the Hong Kong Medical Association to help private clinics procure surgical masks from those suppliers;

          (6) Meanwhile, the Customs and Excise Department is conducting large-scale territory-wide special operations to combat surgical masks with false origin claims, non-compliance with consumer goods safety standards and false trademarks to protect safety and rights of the public. In the operation today, customs officers seized a batch of surgical masks with suspected false trade descriptions in a drug store in Mong Kok and an arrest was made. The Customs and Excise Department will continue the operations.

          During the period when the supply of masks is still tight, the Government appeals to members of the public to go out less often and reduce social contact in accordance with experts’ advice. The Government announced a package of measures to prevent people from gathering and contacting. They include extending the Chinese New Year holidays of all schools in Hong Kong, arranging some employees of the Government to work at home and appealing to employers to make flexible work arrangements for their employees in accordance with their operational needs, closing some of the government facilities such as leisure and cultural facilities and suspending recreation and sports programmes, as well as adjusting services subsidised by the Social Welfare Department. The Steering Committee cum Command Centre will actively consider maintaining the above-mentioned measures before the short supply of masks has been alleviated, and will make an announcement as soon as possible.

          The Government spokesman pointed out that according to the recommendations of the Centre for Health Protection, although surgical masks can effectively prevent the spread of disease, the public should also pay attention to personal hygiene in addition to wearing surgical masks. Members of the public should perform hand hygiene more frequently especially if they were not wearing surgical masks. When hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing, they should wash their hands with liquid soap and dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin.

          The spokesman expressed that the Government fully understood and will do its best to respond to public concerns about the supply of surgical masks. Regarding the rumours that the Government had hoarded a large number of surgical masks; the Home Affairs Department would distribute surgical masks; or even that the Chief Executive had approved the transfer of surgical masks to the Mainland authorities, the spokesman solemnly clarified that there was absolutely no truth in them. The spokesman stressed that the Government will always take the health of Hong Kong people as the first consideration. At this critical moment, the Government urges the public to unite and do their best in disease prevention and control measures without being misled by rumours. The Government also once again expresses its sincere gratitude to the front-line healthcare and emergency services staff who have always been standing fast at their posts at this critical moment.



          Ends/Thursday, January 30, 2020
          Issued at HKT 22:54


          Comment


          • #95
            Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0013000723.htm

            Hong Kong Customs seizes 68 000 surgical masks with suspected false manufacturing date
            ************************************************** ***********************


            Hong Kong Customs today (January 30) seized a total of 68 000 surgical masks with suspected false manufacturing date from a pharmacy in Mong Kok. The seized items carry an estimated market value of about $380,000. A person-in-charge of the pharmacy was arrested.

            Customs officers launched a large-scale territory-wide special operation codenamed "Guardian" on January 27 to inspect retail spots in different districts that sell surgical masks. Customs officers today received information alleging that a pharmacy in Mong Kok sold surgical masks with suspected false manufacturing date. Officers took immediate action and went to a pharmacy located on Nelson Street, where they seized a batch of surgical masks with suspected false manufacturing date of March 2020. A 27-year-old male person-in-charge of the pharmacy was arrested.

            The surgical masks were packed in boxes with each contained 50 pieces and were sold at $280.

            Customs will look into the sources of the seizure. Samples will also be sent to the Government Laboratory for safety test.

            Customs attaches great importance to the trade description and safety aspects of surgical masks. The "Guardian" operation has been lasting for four days with over 1 300 retail spots selling surgical masks were inspected.

            The special operation is ongoing and the department will continue to make immediate announcements if any irregularities are spotted.

            Customs reminds members of the public to observe the following tips when purchasing surgical masks:
            • Pay attention to the information on the packages, including the manufacturing and expiry dates;
            • Check the surgical masks to see if any dirt or trace of being used before making purchases;
            • Check with the shopkeepers immediately when there is any doubt; and
            • Purchase at reputable shops;

            Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO), any person who supplies goods with a false trade description in the course of trade or business, or is in possession of any goods for sale with a false trade description, or sells or possesses for sale any goods with a forged trademark commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

            Under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance (CGSO), it is an offence to supply, manufacture or import into Hong Kong consumer goods unless the goods comply with the general safety requirements for consumer goods. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and $500,000 and imprisonment for two years on subsequent conviction.

            Customs has all along attached great importance to public safety and consumer rights. Law enforcement action will be taken immediately if any violation of the TDO or the CGSO is detected.

            Customs sternly reminds traders not to take advantage of the situation and sell products with false origins or false trademarks, or unsafe consumer goods. Immediate enforcement action will be taken and prosecution will be made with sufficient evidence if any trader is found doing the above act.

            Members of the public may report any suspected violation of the TDO or the CGSO to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk). Customs will look into every report and take necessary follow-up.



            Ends/Thursday, January 30, 2020
            Issued at HKT 23:34




            Comment


            • #96
              Hong Kong University to remain closed until March 2.

              https://www.hku.hk/press/news_detail_20596.html
              Further suspension of campus teaching at HKU until March 2, 2020

              30 Jan 2020



              Dear Staff and Students,
              Hong Kong is going through a very challenging time due to the recent outbreak of Coronavirus in Mainland China. The University has been closely monitoring and reviewing the virus situation in Hong Kong. Having continuously received advice from medical experts, we now come to the view that we will need more time before allowing all campus teaching to resume.

              Undergraduate programmes
              We have decided that campus teaching for undergraduate programmes will be suspended for two weeks from Monday, February 17, 2020, and will resume on Monday, March 2, 2020 (except for a few special programmes for which detailed arrangements will be announced separately in due course).

              As previously announced, we will conduct online teaching and learning for two weeks from February 3 to February 17. This is to ensure that students make a start on their second semester learning. Building on the week of face-to-face classes conducted in the week before Chinese New Year, these two weeks will generate an opportunity for teachers and students to lay down the foundations of their courses.

              The University will then move into recess for two weeks from February 17 to March 2. In this period, students may undertake self-study based on the three weeks of teaching already undertaken in the semester. However, no formal teaching and learning activities will be scheduled.

              We are currently exploring options for ensuring that proper and adequate teaching is provided in the remainder of the semester. Our core aim is to deliver for students the face-to-face experience that has always defined education at HKU.

              We are considering many ways of restructuring the semester to generate additional time for campus teaching. We may conduct regular teaching activities during the March reading week (March 9-14). We may extend the semester to end on a later date. We may schedule classes in the evenings and on weekends. This of course has to be decided by consideration of many factors and dynamic change of virus situations.

              Postgraduate Programmes
              The Faculties or the programmes concerned will announce the teaching arrangements for taught postgraduate programmes in due course.

              Research postgraduates should discuss their study plans with their supervisors.

              Like many in the society, we are dealing with tremendous human health challenges. The situation is changing rapidly and we hope to work with you to provide best possible delivery for our safety, teaching and learning. We very much appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Please stay vigilant and continue to make personal health your top priority.

              Professor Ian Holliday
              Vice-President & Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching & Learning)

              Comment


              • #97
                Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0013100015.htm

                CHP investigates two additional cases of novel coronavirus infection
                ************************************************** ****


                The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (January 31) investigating two additional cases of novel coronavirus infection. The public is again urged to maintain strict personal, food and environmental hygiene both locally and during travel.

                The first case involves a 37-year-old woman residing in the Coronation in Yau Ma Tei who is the daughter of the patients of the 9th and 10th case. She developed cough on January 28 and was sent to Queen Elizabeth Hospital yesterday (January 30) where she was admitted for isolation and management. She is in stable condition. The patient's respiratory sample was tested positive for novel coronavirus.

                The CHP has immediately commenced epidemiological investigations and conducted relevant contact tracing. According to the information the patient provided, she stayed at W Hong Kong with her parents from January 22 to 28 and then visited The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong and Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong along with her parents. She returned home after accompanying her parents to Queen Mary Hospital on January 28. Preliminary investigations revealed that she neither visited any wet market or seafood market, nor had any exposure to wild animals or poultry during the incubation period.

                The second case involves a 75-year-old man residing in Hong Mei House, Cheung Hong Estate in Tsing Yi. He developed cough and shortness of breath on January 22. He sought treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital on January 24 and was admitted for management. His respiratory sample was tested positive for novel coronavirus yesterday under enhanced laboratory surveillance. He is now in a stable condition and being treated in isolation at Princess Margaret Hospital.

                According to the patient's information, he visited Shunde in Guangdong Province from December 30 last year to January 7 this year and sought treatment at a clinic there. He took day trips to Macao from January 10 to 14. His wife, daughter and son are asymptomatic and will be transferred to Lady MacLehose Holiday Village for quarantine. The CHP is following up on relevant contact tracing. Investigations are ongoing.

                The CHP will report the cases to the World Health Organization, National Health Commission, Health Commission of Guangdong Province and the health authority of Macao.

                So far, 12 confirmed cases are reported in Hong Kong. The CHP is continuing its epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing. The CHP is also closely monitoring a number of overseas cases and conducting related contact tracing.

                The CHP today received verification of a case confirmed on January 26 by the health authority of Taiwan and noted that the patient took the flight CZ3097 by China Southern Airlines from Guangzhou to Taipei on January 25. A Hong Kong resident on the same flight is regarded as a close contact of the confirmed case.

                Quarantine will be arranged for close contacts while medical surveillance will be arranged for other contacts. The Lady MacLehose Holiday Village under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department has been converted as quarantine centre and close contacts would be transferred to the village for quarantine. For the progress on the contact tracing of the cases, please see annex.

                The CHP has set up a hotline (2125 1122) for the cases, which operates from 8am to 9pm daily to answer public enquiries. As at 4pm yesterday, a total of 1 663 calls were received.

                A dedicated webpage (www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102465.html) has been set up by the CHP to provide relevant information and health advice on Severe Respiratory Disease associated with a Novel Infectious Agent. Information of the latest notifications received from the Mainland and overseas will be updated to the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/statistics_of_the_cases_novel_coronavirus_infectio n_en.pdf) daily at 9am and 6pm to help the public grasp information on the affected countries/areas.

                A spokesman for the CHP said, "The CHP will continue to maintain its liaison with the National Health Commission, the World Health Organization and the relevant health authorities, and closely monitor the situation for risk assessment."...

                Comment


                • #98
                  Hong Kong Education Bureau shutters all schools until March 2.

                  https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3048305/hong-kong-universities-suspend-classes-until-march-china


                  https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/news/20200131/bkn-20200131125923660-0131_00822_001.html

                  Comment


                  • #99
                    Source: https://www.voachinese.com/a/HK-Gove...1/5268188.html

                    Hong Kong government's Wuhan pneumonia response to widely criticized
                    January 31, 2020 20:52

                    Ren Xin


                    There have been 12 confirmed cases of Wuhan New Crown Virus pneumonia in Hong Kong. Medical workers in Hong Kong are planning to go on strike and receive support from all walks of life. In addition, the Hong Kong government's Wuhan pneumonia response has been widely criticized, including some constituents. The surge in mask buying in Hong Kong continues today.

                    Some Hong Kong citizen groups and democratic lawmakers held a demonstration in front of the government headquarters on January 31, expressing their support for the strike action proposed by the medical community and calling on the government to completely block customs in mainland China.

                    "The medical staff in Hong Kong are very dissatisfied with the government's prevention and control measures. The government has no plan to close all borders to prevent mainland Chinese from entering Hong Kong from various borders, which will bring a lot of new Of the virus carriers spread the virus in various ways, eventually leading to community outbreaks. "

                    For the part of the government's current customs clearance, Xiao Xinquan of the Progressive Teachers' League believes that it has not done enough.

                    He said: "The most visited barriers, such as the majority of students come to Hong Kong via Luohu, Lok Ma Chau, but these barriers are not closed."

                    In addition, he was very worried that a large number of students would return to Hong Kong after the school began in February, and the government did not have a good response.

                    He said: "There are too many Hong Kong students staying in the Mainland. Thousands of students returning to Hong Kong after the holidays are dangerous to the whole of Hong Kong. The government has no countermeasures. We do n’t know how to do it. I support the most Frontline medical staff. "

                    There are currently 12 confirmed cases in Hong Kong. Purchasing masks still appeared in Hong Kong on the 31st.

                    Member of the Hong Kong Constitutional Legislative Council, Leung Mei Fen, criticized the government for not doing enough in this regard on the 31st.

                    She said, "The shortage of masks is mainly due to the lack of precautions. People in politics know that masks will be needed by the community as soon as they hear pneumonia. It is mainly a cause of panic. If the government uses masks as a necessity, they will not wait until after the epidemic is over. Attributed to medical products, there will be greater flexibility in handling the supply of masks. "

                    Liang Meifen also urged the government to strengthen the enforcement measures for immigration declarations by law. Any misrepresentation should be punished as a criminal offence, including going to Wuhan without reporting.

                    It is reported that the Hong Kong Hospital Authority's staff front will hold a general meeting this week to negotiate with the government. If the government does not close customs, medical staff plan to go on strike next Monday.

                    Comment


                    • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0013100713.htm
                      Public hospital daily update on Wuhan-related cases
                      ******************************************


                      The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

                      As at noon today (January 31), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health (DH) the admission of 86 patients (40 male and 46 female, aged 12 months to 90) in the past 24 hours who met the reporting criteria of severe respiratory disease associated with a novel infectious agent. Specimens of the patients concerned have been sent to the DH for testing. There are still 138 patients under isolation.

                      In response to the confirmed case of novel coronavirus with unidentified source of infection, the Hospital Authority (HA) today convened an ad hoc meeting of the Central Committee on Infectious Diseases and Emergency Responses to conduct risk assessment of the situation and discuss the need to strengthen infection control measures.

                      The patient concerned attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Princess Margaret Hospital on January 24 and was admitted to the hospital for treatment. The HA has implemented the "Enhanced Laboratory Surveillance" scheme since January 13 to conduct tests on novel coronavirus for pneumonia patients meeting the relevant criteria. As the clinical condition of the patient's pneumonia had not improved after receiving three days of treatment, the hospital conducted the test accordingly.

                      Upon the confirmatory diagnosis of the patient, the hospital supported the Centre for Health Protection to carry out related follow-up and confirmed that healthcare staff concerned had been wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, and no staff member was listed as close contacts and required quarantine.

                      As a precautionary measure, the hospital has conducted novel coronavirus for a healthcare worker with respiratory symptoms and the result is negative. The hospital will continue to closely monitor the staff and patients involved.

                      The HA will also further extend the coverage of the "Enhanced Laboratory Surveillance" scheme to all pneumonia inpatients, and strengthen infection control and isolation arrangements to tie in with the extended coverage.

                      1. In addition to the existing isolation wards, public hospitals will set up "Surveillance Wards".
                      2. All inpatients with pneumonia are required to stay in the isolation wards or "Surveillance Wards" until the test results for novel coronavirus are available.
                      3. Laboratories in the seven hospital clusters have secured the rapid test reagents, which can avail the novel coronavirus test results within hours.
                      4. All healthcare staff in the isolation wards and the "Surveillance Wards" are required to wear a full set of personal protective equipment to enter the ward to take care of the patients.

                      The related measures can reduce the risk of the novel coronavirus pneumonia patients in general wards, and can effectively prevent the spread of the virus.

                      The HA will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.



                      Ends/Friday, January 31, 2020
                      Issued at HKT 21:22



                      Comment


                      • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0013100808.htm
                        Transcript of remarks of press conference (with photo/video)
                        *************************************************


                        The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, held a press conference this afternoon (January 31). Also joining were the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau; the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee; the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip; the Director of Immigration, Mr Tsang Kwok-wai; the Director of Health, Dr Constance Chan; and the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority, Dr Tony Ko. Following is the transcript of remarks of the press conference.

                        Reporter: Mrs Lam, I’m sure you know that there is a vote tomorrow from some employees, hospital unions, talking about going on strike possibly if you didn’t close the border, sounds like you are not willing to do that. Are you willing to take that risk of thousands of employees going on strike as a result of sort of this emergency situation? Secondly, with the new sort of surveillance measures for Hubei visitors, would these measures have stopped visitors, for example, from jumping from hospital to hospital without authorities being able to do anything to force them to seek medical care? And thirdly, on face masks, I’m sure that Mr Yau, you have already sort of covered this but is this something where the Government could be taking more a centralised role in terms of distribution and also controlling prices so that we don’t see sort of price gouging and long lines around the neighborhoods waiting for face masks?

                        Chief Executive: Thank you for the three questions. I will answer the first question and then invite the Director of Health to talk about the medical surveillance and Mr Yau to comment on the question of pricing and distribution of surgical masks. I sincerely hope and appeal to our health staff in the Hospital Authority to consider very seriously any plan to have a strike because at the end of the day, those who suffer will be the patients as well as Hong Kong’s healthcare system. I said repeatedly that we treasure the contribution of our health staff throughout the years – it’s not just about this particular virus incident. I have been working very closely with Hong Kong’s medical staff throughout my public service career in my capacity as Assistant Director in the Health Department, as a member of the Hospital Authority Board, as the Director of Social Welfare. I have very high regard of the medical staff, medical nursing and allied health and also supporting staff in the public system, whether in the Department of Health or the Hospital Authority. I have no doubt that they have the best interests of Hong Kong people, as well as Hong Kong, in terms of our healthcare system, which is highly credible, professional, as well as Hong Kong’s overall interest. The Government has already taken a series of measures and they are effective measures as I have proven to you with some of the passenger statistics to significantly bring down the number of arrivals of visitors from the Mainland and other places so as to reduce the chance of infection and also to lessen the workload on the public hospitals.

                        I have also pledged and have been working with the Secretary for Food and Health and the Hospital Authority to provide whatever assistance our health staff need, whether in terms of financial resources, in terms of supplies. I’ve been putting them on the first priority of the access to a very limited supply of protective equipment as well as masks despite there have been aspirations for us to share some of this limited supply with the community. I hope very much that they will also take into account these efforts made and seriously consider their plan. I really don’t think a complete closure of the border control points is the right answer to the situation that we are facing. It is at least not in line with the very scientific-based and knowledge-based advice given to us as recently as early this morning by the World Health Organization and its panel of experts. We should not contemplate restrictions of international travel or trade and we should not adopt a discriminatory approach in dealing with people flowing between different countries and places in trying to contain the spread of the disease. There are other measures which will help us to achieve that effect.

                        Director of Health: Under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance, this new novel coronavirus infection is one of the notifiable diseases. So when the doctors suspect a person who fulfils the criteria of referring to us, the patient will be sent to a public hospital for investigation and under isolation. And under the law we will place an isolation order on this infected person. When the case is confirmed we will conduct epidemiological investigation and identify the patient’s close contact. And for the close contact we will impose a quarantine order and direct the close contact to be kept in the quarantine centre. So under either the isolation order or the quarantine order, this person is obliged to be kept in the place where he or she is directed to stay. And if he breaches it, it constitutes an offence.

                        Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: On the question of protective materials, including masks, the Government has been trying to help in a number of ways. We are taking a three-pronged approach. In recognition of the shortage (of masks), which is not just local but global, we try to cast the net wider. The Government, as the major user, has to procure such materials for our frontline medical staff. We have been casting the net on a global basis, hoping that we can secure a longer term (of supply) and in greater quantity.

                        In addition, we are also working with the retail and wholesale sectors, which are also in great demand for such materials. We talked to them and identified that there might be certain problems that they encountered, including custom clearances on some of these materials coming over from the Mainland. We have established channels to talk to the Mainland authorities, between customs authorities, to make sure that orders which have been placed are able to be delivered on time and in full. So through this process, we have been helping both procurement of government departments and procurement from the private sector. The third element is that, in recognition of this strong demand, there are also companies approaching us to see if we can help them in bringing back production lines (of protective materials to Hong Kong). We are lining up government departments to work (on this) together.

                        In addition to all these, there are also people and companies who would like to donate certain (number of) masks to those in need. We helped them to channel these to charity groups or people in need. These are what we have been doing in the past couple of weeks.

                        You mentioned about price control, I think we will leave no stone unturned (to address the issue) as the Chief Secretary (for Administration) mentioned yesterday. But in considering whichever ways to tackle the problem, we must find a way which is effective in ensuring supply. On price, if there are malpractices, (like) stocking up or whatever, this is a job for the Consumer Council (to deal with), and they have given advice. Customs (Customs and Excise Department) has also taken enforcement actions in the last few days by enforcing the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. These malpractices were brought before the law. But I think what we need to do at the moment is to try to enhance the global supply, to make sure that the orders we have placed will have a prompt delivery, and also to ensure that there will be a good distribution system. In this regard, we are talking to both the trade and within the (government) departments. At the same time, we also encourage the community to find various ways of sharing, like the gifts we have received and channelled to those in need. Thank you.

                        Reporter: I've got three questions. First, for Mrs Lam. You said that we shouldn't be discriminating against certain types of people, right? The Mainlanders. But the Labour Department yesterday issued a statement that FDHs, foreign domestic workers, he requests them to stay at home even on their days off and the foreign domestic workers feel that this is discriminatory because they have only one day off where they could, you know, do so many things and gather but in open-air areas as you know. They've done that during SARS, where I think just two Filipino or Indonesians were infected by SARS because they went to a grocery store, you know, at the early stage of the outbreak. That's one. Number two is, can you explain more about the electronic tracking device and GPS, that I think it was Professor Chan who said that you're planning to do, to track those people who are confirmed or suspected or should be brought into the quarantine because they came from Hubei Province, if I get it right? Number three is do we know much more about the coronavirus? Maybe Professor Chan or Dr Chan, Constance Chan, can tell us, because you said, I mean, breaking news now that there are two confirmed cases in the UK, so it is spreading, right, globally, and Hong Kong and Macao is lumped in China among the figures in China because you're SAR. So, what I'd like to ask you is do we know much? There are so many unknowns. Is it a full range of, you know, symptoms? Is it mild? Are you contagious when you don't have symptoms or when you develop fever or some other symptoms? So I just wanted to ask.

                        Chief Executive: I'll answer the first question and then leave Professor Chan and Dr Chan to address the latter two questions. First of all, let me just quote for you what is in the World Health Organization statement. It makes it very clear that the countries and governments are cautioned against actions that promote stigma or discrimination in line with the principles of article 3 of the International Health Regulations. This approach that we should not stigmatise or discriminate is well enshrined in an international health regulation, which means that it has very good basis from the protection of public health perspective and also the balancing, taking into account other considerations.

                        I just heard what you told me about the Labour Department’s advice. I have not seen it myself. But I suppose that advice was given really to protect our foreign domestic helpers by suggesting that they should stay at home. That was part of a strategy to reduce as much as possible social contacts or what we call social distancing. That also takes into account now the currently limited supply of face masks, because if they all go out and they enjoy their day as we have seen from time to time on Sundays in various parts of Hong Kong, they are no doubt in a crowd, which means that they will have to wear masks and protect themselves attending those events. In the same way that the Government has cancelled, and many associations have also cancelled, events of a particular scale, whether it's outdoor event or indoor event, I think the Labour Department’s advice is based on that very same consideration.

                        Secretary for Food and Health: Thank you for your question. Regarding active surveillance and contact tracing as well as isolating the close contacts of patients, there are a number of ways to do so. Of course, putting people into quarantine camps is one of the ways. Another way is home quarantine, that is, people staying at their home for 14 days. The idea of home quarantine is ensuring people to isolate themselves at home and not to come out into the community so that the risk of transmission in the community would be reduced. Way back many years ago, for example during SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) (outbreak in Hong Kong), there are people guarding at the entrances of the buildings or outside homes to make sure that the people (being quarantined) could not go out. But now, I think after so many years, there are lots of technology that can help doing the work in terms of tracing the contacts where they are, and to ensure that they are staying at home and not going out into the community. The development of these technology in terms of providing (devices) to these contacts is really to ensure that they stay at home, so that the entire quarantine procedures can be more efficient and probably to save manpower to check whether these people are at home. As for your question on the two confirmed cases, I would like to invite the Director of Health, Dr Constance Chan, to provide more information.

                        Director of Health: I do not have the details of the two confirmed cases that were reported in the United Kingdom. Nonetheless, referring to your question on the nature of the coronavirus, indeed this is a novel coronavirus and it has only been identified in the recent few weeks. So you will note in the statement by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding declaring this disease as a public health emergency of international concern, it specifically suggested that one should collaborate with WHO and partners to conduct investigation to understand the epidemiology and evaluate the measures, and it also encouraged the sharing of data on human cases and it also suggests supporting research. So that is why I think the Mainland scientists are working very hard and they have also shared a lot of information with the international community and they will continue to do research in this regard, and a number of the experts in Hong Kong are actually contributing to research in this area.

                        Chief Executive: In case media friends have more interest on the electronic devices that we have developed for the home quarantine, I'm happy to ask my colleagues in the Innovation and Technology Bureau together with their partners to give a briefing next week.

                        (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)



                        Ends/Friday, January 31, 2020
                        Issued at HKT 23:24



                        Comment


                        • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0013100798.htm

                          CHP investigates additional imported case of novel coronavirus infection
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                          The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (January 31) investigating one additional imported case of novel coronavirus infection. The public is again urged to maintain strict personal, food and environmental hygiene both locally and during travel.

                          The patient is a 39-year-old man who lives in Block 1, Site 11, Whampoa Garden with underlying illness. He developed myalgia since January 29 and started having fever today. He sought treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital today where he was admitted for isolation and management. He is in a stable condition. His respiratory sample was tested positive for novel coronavirus.

                          The CHP has immediately commenced epidemiological investigations and conducted relevant contact tracing. According to the patient's information, he took High-Speed Rail from Hong Kong to Wuhan (G306) on January 21 and from Changshanan to Hong Kong (G79) on January 23.

                          Investigations revealed that he neither visited any health care facilities, wet market or seafood market, nor had any exposure to wild animals during the incubation period. His mother, wife, daughter, son and domestic helper are asymptomatic and will be transferred to quarantine centre for quarantine. Investigations are ongoing.

                          The CHP will report the case to the World Health Organization (WHO), National Health Commission (NHC), Health Commission of Guangdong Province and the health authority of Macao.

                          So far, 13 confirmed cases are reported in Hong Kong. The CHP is continuing its epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing. The CHP is also closely monitoring a number of overseas cases and conducting related contact tracing.

                          For the 12th case which was confirmed yesterday, the CHP's investigations revealed that a male taxi driver who had driven the 75-year-old male patient should be regarded as a close contact. The driver who had driven the patient and his wife from the junction at the bus stop outside Hong Shun Building, Cheung Hong Estate in Tsing Yi to Princess Margaret Hospital at around 3.15pm to 3.30pm is urged to call the CHP's hotline.

                          Quarantine will be arranged for close contacts while medical surveillance will be arranged for other contacts. For the progress on the contact tracing of the cases, please see annex.

                          The CHP has set up a hotline (2125 1122) for the cases, which operates from 8am to 9pm daily to answer public enquiries. As at 4pm yesterday, a total of 2053 calls were received.

                          A dedicated webpage (www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102465.html) has been set up by the CHP to provide relevant information and health advice on Severe Respiratory Disease associated with a Novel Infectious Agent. Information of the latest notifications received from the Mainland and overseas will be updated to the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/statistics_of_the_cases_novel_coronavirus_infectio n_en.pdf) daily at 9am and 6pm to help the public grasp information on the affected countries/areas.

                          A spokesman for the CHP said, "The CHP will continue to maintain its liaison with the NHC, WHO and the relevant health authorities, and closely monitor the situation for risk assessment."...

                          ...Ends/Friday, January 31, 2020
                          Issued at HKT 23:24

                          Comment


                          • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0013100826.htm

                            Government enhances disease prevention and control measures with reference to WHO's advice
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                            The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General has declared that the outbreak of the novel coronavirus constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and made a number of recommendations on disease prevention and control. A government spokesman said today (January 31) that the Government's disease prevention and control measures implemented so far are in line with the WHO’s suggestions. Taking into account the WHO’s recommendations, the Government has announced that measures will be extended or rolled out to further prevent and control the spread of the disease.

                            Extending class suspension and special work arrangements for government departments

                            To reduce the flow of people and contacts among them in the community, the Government earlier extended the Chinese New Year holidays of secondary schools, primary schools, kindergartens, child care centres and special schools to February 27. Government departments have also made special work arrangements over the past week. Except for staff providing emergency services and essential public services, all other employees of the Government are not required to return to their offices but to work at home after the holidays. In light of the latest developments of the disease and the continued tight supply of surgical masks, the Government has announced the extension of the relevant measures. All secondary schools, primary schools, kindergartens, child care centres and special schools will continue to suspend classes. The date of class resumption will be decided later, but it will not be before March 2. Special work arrangements for government departments will be extended until February 9 and the Government will review the situation later. Taking into consideration the fact that the disease may persist for a period of time, other than providing emergency and essential public services, government departments have to provide basic and limited public services to members of the public starting from next week. On the details of class suspension arrangements and the provision of public services, the Education Bureau and individual government departments will make announcements as soon as possible. The Government appeals to employers to continue to make flexible work arrangements for employees in accordance with their operational needs.

                            Hong Kong residents returning from the Mainland

                            To reduce the risk of spread of the disease in the community, all Hong Kong residents who have visited Hubei Province in the past 14 days should approach staff of the Department of Health’s Port Health Division for relevant assessment upon their arrival. Even those who are asymptomatic will be arranged to stay in quarantine centres for surveillance. The Government also appeals to Hong Kong residents returning from other places on the Mainland to stay home for 14 days upon their return as far as the circumstances permit. Those who need to go out should wear a surgical mask for 14 days upon their return.

                            Hubei residents in Hong Kong

                            Hubei residents have been restricted from entering Hong Kong since January 27. For those Hubei residents who have already entered Hong Kong, they are only allowed to stay in Hong Kong for seven days in general, and it is believed that the number of these people in Hong Kong will gradually decrease. As at 1pm today, the Immigration Department had conducted inspections at 355 hotels and guesthouses and found 48 travellers from Hubei. Fifteen of them have left Hong Kong on their own while the Department of Health will arrange for the remaining travellers concerned to stay in quarantine centres or, for asymptomatic travellers, to leave Hong Kong as soon as possible.

                            Enhancing exit screening and health declaration

                            Making reference to the WHO’s recommendations, the Government will enhance exit screening to facilitate early identification of passengers with symptoms. Starting from tomorrow (February 1), Hong Kong International Airport will implement body temperature checks for both departing and transit passengers. No boarding will be allowed for passengers with fever. On land-based control points, the Government will impose a requirement for health declaration at Lo Wu Control Point and the Shenzhen Bay Port tomorrow and extend it to other control points gradually.

                            All-out efforts to support front-line healthcare staff

                            The Government will continue to fully support front-line healthcare staff. Although the supply of surgical masks remains tight, the Government will give priority to their needs. Starting from tomorrow, the seven hospital clusters of the Hospital Authority will have the capability to conduct rapid virus testing, which can help relieve the work pressure of healthcare staff.

                            Increasing supply of surgical masks through a multi-pronged approach

                            The Government will continue to spare no effort in sourcing globally, increasing local production, liaising with mask suppliers in the Mainland and seeking assistance from relevant authorities to help supplies reach Hong Kong, with a view to meeting the needs of healthcare workers and other personnel providing services to the public, as well as stabilising the market supply. The Government also appeals to private and charitable organisations to donate surgical masks to the underprivileged, and will play a facilitation role with financial resources and co-ordination.

                            The Government is also closely monitoring the effectiveness of the various measures implemented earlier:

                            Reducing the flow of people between the Mainland and Hong Kong

                            Measures implemented earlier, including imposing restrictions on Hubei residents and those who have visited Hubei Province in the past 14 days from entering Hong Kong, the Mainland authorities suspending the issuance of endorsements under the Individual Visit Scheme as requested by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and reducing transport and border control point services, have significantly reduced the number of Mainland visitors coming to Hong Kong. The number of Mainland visitors who arrived in Hong Kong via control points (except the airport) yesterday accounted for only 9.7 per cent of the total number of passengers, and the number has dropped 91 per cent compared to the figure two weeks ago. It is believed that the number will further decrease. The Government will continue to liaise with the Mainland as appropriate to explore further consolidation and tightening the management of the control points.

                            Quarantine centre facilities

                            To cope with future quarantine needs, the Government is preparing more quarantine centre facilities. If a large number of close contacts have to be quarantined within a short period of time, the Government may need to impose home isolation for the relevant persons. The Government has completed a study on the use of electronic tracking bracelets and positioning technology to help in surveillance. The relevant items will be available next week.

                            Assisting Hong Kong residents in Hubei

                            As of yesterday (January 30), the Government had received about 600 requests for assistance in relation to the novel coronavirus, involving about 1 300 Hong Kong people located in over 30 cities in Hubei Province. Officers of the Wuhan Economic and Trade Office will stay connected with these people and render assistance to them. At the same time, the Government will communicate with the Central Authorities on ways to arrange for them to return to Hong Kong in a practical manner.

                            The spokesman said that the current situation is critical. The Government is grateful to all front-line healthcare staff and other personnel participating in disease prevention and control for remaining steadfast at their posts, and urges all members of the public to join the Government and healthcare workers to do the best in disease prevention and control.



                            Ends/Friday, January 31, 2020
                            Issued at HKT 23:57


                            Comment


                            • Hi, until recently, CHP published a line list of suspected cases with test results for all pathogens, incl. influenza, RSV, etc. Does someone have a clue about the distribution of all pathogens among the suspected cases, not just nCoV positive cases?

                              Comment


                              • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0020100567.htm

                                Public hospital daily update on Wuhan-related cases
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                                The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

                                As at noon today (February 1), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health (DH) the admission of 69 patients (33 male and 36 female, aged 3 months to 85 years) in the past 24 hours who met the reporting criteria of severe respiratory disease associated with a novel infectious agent. Specimens of the patients concerned have been sent to the DH for testing. There are still 112 patients under isolation.

                                The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.



                                Ends/Saturday, February 1, 2020
                                Issued at HKT 17:59

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