Hong Kong - Covid-19 cases - 4,902 cases, 99 deaths?

[sharon sanders]

3 more infections confirmed

February 17, 2020
The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating three additional cases of novel coronavirus infection, taking the number of confirmed cases in Hong Kong to 60.



The first additional case involves a 69-year-old man with underlying illnesses who lives in Yee Ching House, Yee Ming Estate, Tseung Kwan O.



He developed a cough on February 8 and consulted a private doctor three times between February 8 and 13. Later, he sought medical attention at Cheung Sha Wan Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic for persistent cough on February 15.



The man consulted the same private doctor again on February 16 for shortness of breath and was referred to Caritas Medical Centre.



He did not travel during the incubation period and his home contact is asymptomatic and will be quarantined.



The second case involves a 45-year-old man who is the colleague of the 54-year-old male patient of the 57th case confirmed on February 16.



He lives in Oi Wah House, Tsz Oi Court, Tsz Wan Shan and developed fever and sore throat on February 12.



The man consulted a private doctor on February 13 and sought medical attention at Queen Elizabeth Hospital yesterday and was admitted for treatment. He is in a stable condition.



He travelled to Da Nang, Vietnam, during the incubation period.



The patient lives with his wife and three daughters, who are all asymptomatic and will be quarantined.



The third additional case involves a 46-year-old woman who is the wife of the 57th case.



She lives in Ming Kung Mansion, Taikoo Shing and developed a runny nose since February 8 and a cough from February 10.



She consulted a private doctor on February 10 and was referred to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on February 16.



According to the patient, she attended a church activity in Shau Kei Wan with her husband on February 9. She did not travel during the incubation period.



According to preliminary epidemiological investigations, some of the confirmed cases are locally infected, the Centre for Health Protection said.



The centre strongly urged the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene at all times.



It will update reported novel coronavirus infection cases on its dedicated webpage.

Next
DH to prosecute 2 people

https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2020/02/20200217/20200217_231256_428.html?type=ticker

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021800194.htm

HA staff tested negative for novel coronavirus infection
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

In response to media enquiries, the Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson replies today (February 18) as follows:

A patient with confirmed novel coronavirus infection visited the Hospital Authority Building on February 7. An employee who attended the meeting had sore throat and was sent to the hospital for testing last night. His laboratory test result was negative to novel coronavirus. No other HA staff participating in the meeting have reported discomfort.

The HA will continue to cooperate with the Centre for Health Protection's follow-up contact tracing investigation.




Ends/Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Issued at HKT 9:19

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021800408.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 18), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 29 patients (13 male and 16 female, aged 5 to 74) 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 for testing.

　　There are 106 patients under isolation currently. So far, four patients with the novel coronavirus infection have been discharged upon recovery.

　　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/Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Issued at HKT 18:35

[Shiloh]

Source: https://coconuts.co/hongkong/news/fi...e-of-covid-19/

Filipina domestic worker becomes Hong Kong’s 61st confirmed case of COVID-19
By Coconuts Hong Kong Feb 18, 2020 | 7:14pm Hong Kong time

A Filipina domestic worker in Hong Kong was confirmed today to have tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus, taking the total tally of cases in the city to 61.

This afternoon, health officials said at a press briefing that the 32-year-old woman is currently being hospitalized at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in Chai Wan. Her 67-year-old female employer was the city’s 52nd confirmed coronavirus patient, and was diagnosed on Feb. 13...

[penguinsix]

Hong Kong starts offering take-home testing for suspected virus patients.

https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1509310-20200218.htm

"Starting on Wednesday, any adult patients who turn up to public hospitals or outpatient clinics with a fever and respiratory symptoms, or signs of pneumonia, will be asked to take marked containers home, and deliver a saliva sample back to the hospital or clinic the next day."

[sharon sanders]

Latest situation of cases of novel coronavirus infection

Since 31 December 2019 (as of 18 February 2020, 12:00 noon), the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has received reports of a total of 1578 cases fulfilling the reporting criteria of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with a Novel Infectious Agent, including 61 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus and 1384 cases which were ruled out as novel coronavirus infection. The remaining 133 cases were still hospitalised for investigation. Among the 61 confirmed cases, 56 remained hospitalised, four were discharged (Case no. 6, 14, 18 and 27) while the remaining case was a fatal case (Case no. 13). Separately, the CHP has received notification of the 62nd confirmed case after 18 February 2020, 12:00 noon.

Details of confirmed cases of novel coronavirus infection: Case no. Date of laboratory confirmation Date of onset Gender Age Name of hospital admitted Hospitalised/ Discharged/ Deceased HK/Non-HK resident Case classification*

1 23/01/2020 21/01/2020 M 39 Princess Margaret Hospital Hospitalised Non-HK resident Imported
2 23/01/2020 18/01/2020 M 56 Princess Margaret Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Imported
3 24/01/2020 20/01/2020 F 62 Princess Margaret Hospital Hospitalised Non-HK resident Imported
4 24/01/2020 23/01/2020 F 62 Princess Margaret Hospital Hospitalised Non-HK resident Imported
5 24/01/2020 24/01/2020 M 63 Princess Margaret Hospital Hospitalised Non-HK resident Imported
6 26/01/2020 21/01/2020 M 47 Princess Margaret Hospital Discharged HK resident Imported
7 26/01/2020 21/01/2020 F 68 Princess Margaret Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Imported
8 26/01/2020 25/01/2020 M 64 Princess Margaret Hospital Hospitalised Non-HK resident Imported
9 29/01/2020 25/01/2020 F 73 Princess Margaret Hospital Hospitalised Non-HK resident Imported
10 29/01/2020 25/01/2020 M 72 Princess Margaret Hospital Hospitalised Non-HK resident Imported
11 30/01/2020 28/01/2020 F 37 Princess Margaret Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of imported case
12 30/01/2020 22/01/2020 M 75 Princess Margaret Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Possibly local
13 31/01/2020 29/01/2020 M 39 Princess Margaret Hospital Deceased HK resident Imported
14 01/02/2020 23/01/2020 M 80 Princess Margaret Hospital Discharged HK resident Possibly local
15 02/02/2020 01/02/2020 F 72 Princess Margaret Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of imported case
16 04/02/2020 23/01/2020 F 64 Princess Margaret Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Local case with unknown source
17 04/02/2020 22/01/2020 M 60 Princess Margaret Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Local case with unknown source
18 04/02/2020 28/01/2020 M 25 Princess Margaret Hospital Discharged HK resident Local case with unknown source
19 05/02/2020 30/01/2020 F 28 Princess Margaret Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of local case
20 05/02/2020 04/02/2020 F 56 Princess Margaret Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of local case
21 05/02/2020 30/01/2020 M 56 Princess Margaret Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Possibly local
22 06/02/2020 01/02/2020 F 55 Princess Margaret Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of possibly local case
23 06/02/2020 26/01/2020 F 63 Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Local case with unknown source
24 06/02/2020 28/01/2020 F 65 Prince of Wales Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Local case with unknown source
25 07/02/2020 04/02/2020 M 58 North District Hospital Hospitalised HK resident
26 07/02/2020 03/02/2020 M 42 Prince of Wales Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Imported
27 09/02/2020 30/01/2020 M 24 Ruttonjee Hospital Discharged HK resident Possibly local
28 09/02/2020 30/01/2020 M 70 United Christian Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Local case with unknown source
29 09/02/2020 01/02/2020 F 91 Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of possibly local case
30 09/02/2020 29/01/2020 M 68 Ruttonjee Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of possibly local case
31 09/02/2020 28/01/2020 F 57 Ruttonjee Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of possibly local case
32 09/02/2020 04/02/2020 M 22 Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of possibly local case
33 09/02/2020 02/02/2020 F 50 Ruttonjee Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of possibly local case
34 09/02/2020 30/01/2020 F 25 Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of possibly local case
35 09/02/2020 04/02/2020 F 51 Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of possibly local case
36 09/02/2020 07/02/2020 M 23 Ruttonjee Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of possibly local case
37 10/02/2020 30/01/2020 F 55 Prince of Wales Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of possibly local case
38 10/02/2020 30/01/2020 M 69 Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of local case Case no. Date of laboratory confirmation Date of onset Gender Age Name of hospital admitted Hospitalised/ Discharged/ Deceased HK/Non-HK resident Case classification*
39 10/02/2020 30/01/2020 F 63 Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of local case
40 10/02/2020 28/01/2020 F 86 Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Local case with unknown source
41 10/02/2020 08/02/2020 M 52 Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of possibly local case
42 10/02/2020 03/02/2020 F 62 Princess Margaret Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of local case
43 11/02/2020 02/02/2020 M 59 Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Local case with unknown source
44 11/02/2020 01/02/2020 F 60 Ruttonjee Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of possibly local case
45 11/02/2020 05/02/2020 M 71 Tseung Kwan O Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Local case with unknown source
46 11/02/2020 03/02/2020 M 75 Queen Mary Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of local case
47 11/02/2020 31/01/2020 M 66 Tuen Mun Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of local case
48 11/02/2020 02/02/2020 F 37 Princess Margaret Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of local case
49 11/02/2020 30/01/2020 M 37 Princess Margaret Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Local case with unknown source
50 12/02/2020 03/02/2020 M 51 Queen Elizabeth Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of possibly local case
51 13/02/2020 29/01/2020 M 43 Tuen Mun Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Local case with unknown source
52 13/02/2020 31/01/2020 F 67 Queen Mary Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of local case
53 13/02/2020 08/02/2020 M 37 Queen Mary Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of local case
54 14/02/2020 03/02/2020 F 41 Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of local case
55 14/02/2020 02/02/2020 M 70 Princess Margaret Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Possibly local
56 14/02/2020 12/02/2020 F 61 Queen Mary Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Local case with unknown source
57 16/02/2020 07/02/2020 M 54 Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Local case with unknown source
58 17/02/2020 08/02/2020 M 69 Caritas Medical Centre Hospitalised HK resident Local case with unknown source
59 17/02/2020 12/02/2020 M 45 Queen Elizabeth Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of local case
60 17/02/2020 08/02/2020 F 46 Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of local case
61 18/02/2020 02/02/2020 F 32 Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of local case
62 18/02/2020 11/02/2020 M 58 United Christian Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Possibly local * The case classification may be subject to changes when there is new information available.

Remarks: 1. Suspected cases were reported under enhanced surveillance system from 31 Dec 2019 to 7 Jan 2020. 2. “Severe Respiratory Disease associated with a Novel Infectious Agent” has been a notifiable disease, with effect from 8 Jan 2020. Cases were reported as suspected cases of “Severe Respiratory Disease associated with a Novel Infectious Agent” since 8 Jan 2020.

https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/enhanced_sur_pneumonia_wuhan_eng.pdf

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021800437.htm

HA enhanced laboratory surveillance programme extends to outpatients with mild symptoms
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

　　The Hospital Authority (HA) today (February 18) announced the further extension of the Enhanced Laboratory Surveillance Programme to further advance the identification of novel coronavirus infected patients to minimise the risk of community transmission.

"To combat the novel coronavirus epidemic, the HA has widened the coverage of the Enhanced Laboratory Surveillance Programme several times in the past so as to identify more cases as early as possible," the HA spokesperson said.

"The current Enhanced Laboratory Surveillance Programme covers all inpatient pneumonia cases. Around 700 to 800 tests are being conducted each day in all public hospitals. Around 20 cases which have no travel nor contact history with confirmed cases have been identified through the Programme, which is about one-third of the confirmed cases."

The spokesperson said that there were increasing number of cases in the community and some patients presented with mild symptoms only. Many patients were diagnosed as common upper respiratory infections until their conditions deteriorated.

"After prudent consideration of the current capacity of isolation facilities in public hospitals, the HA decided to dovetail with the recommendations of the Scientific Committees of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) to extend the surveillance to outpatients. This will help detect mild cases in the community and to have a better understanding of the epidemiological situation."

Starting from tomorrow (February 19), Accident and Emergency Department (AED) or General Out-patient Clinic (GOPC) patients aged 18 or above, presented with fever and respiratory symptoms or mild chest infection, will be given a specimen bottle for the collection of deep throat saliva in the early morning of the following day, if hospital admission is considered unnecessary according to clinical assessment. Patients are required to return the specimens to the AED or GOPC for novel coronavirus laboratory testing.

"The HA will send the specimen to the Public Health Laboratory Centre (PHLC) of the Department of Health (DH). Patients do not need to stay in hospital to wait for test result. The HA will inform the patient via SMS if the test result is negative to novel coronavirus while the CHP will contact the patient for hospital admission for isolation and other follow-up if the test result is positive."

Under the current containment strategy to manage the epidemic, 17 AEDs and over 50 GOPCs of the HA will launch this trial programme in the coming week with a view to advance the detection of infected patients and to minimise the risk of community outbreak.

"Data collected from the Programme can help ascertain the proportion of infected patients in the community and support the upcoming epidemic management strategy formulation," the spokesperson added.

The HA and CHP will closely monitor the implementation and the outcome of the Programme to make adjustments as required.
Ends/Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Issued at HKT 20:50

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021800659.htm

CHP investigates two additional cases of novel coronavirus infection
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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 8pm today (February 18), the CHP is investigating two additional cases of novel coronavirus infection, taking to 62 the number of confirmed cases so far in Hong Kong.

The first case involves a 32-year-old woman (the 61st case) who is the domestic helper of the 67-year-old female patient of the 52nd case confirmed on February 13. The patient has good past health who lives in Block D, Mount Parker Lodge in Quarry Bay. She developed fever and cough since February 2. Her symptoms subsided after self-medication and she did not consult a private doctor. She was transferred to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital where she was admitted for isolation and management by the CHP during its epidemiological investigation on February 14. Her respiratory samples were initially tested negative for novel coronavirus. The patient has undergone further check-ups owing to persistent clinical symptoms and her respiratory samples were tested positive for novel coronavirus today. She is now in a stable condition. The patient had no travel history during the incubation period. She also did not attend the family dinner of her employer held in North Point on January 26. Her close contacts (except the case 52), namely her employers and their kids, have already been arranged for quarantine earlier on.

The second case involves a 58-year-old man (the 62nd case) with good past health who lives alone in Cambridge Building, 25-41 Hong Ning Road, Kwun Tong. He developed fever and chills since February 11, and cough since February 15. He consulted the same private doctor on February 11 and 13 respectively. He sought medical attention at United Christian Hospital yesterday and was admitted for treatment. His respiratory sample was tested positive for novel coronavirus and he is now in a stable condition. The patient travelled to Zhongshan (from January 23 to February 2) and Macao (February 5) during the incubation period.

Relevant contract tracing by the CHP is ongoing.

A spokesman for the CHP said, "According to our preliminary epidemiological investigations, some of the confirmed cases are locally infected. The CHP strongly urged the public to maintain at all times strict personal and environmental hygiene which is key to personal protection against infection and prevention of the spread of the disease in the community."

The spokesman said, "On the personal level, members of the public should wear a surgical mask when having respiratory symptoms, taking public transport or staying in crowded places. They should also perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes. The public should go out less and reduce social activities, and maintain appropriate social distance with other people as far as possible."

"As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps); after using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs."

The CHP will report the case to the World Health Organization, National Health Commission, Health Commission of Guangdong Province and Health Bureau of Macao.

The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. 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 public enquiries. The hotline operates from 8am to midnight daily. As at 4pm today, a total of 16 044 calls were received.

A dedicated webpage (www.gov.hk/ncv) has been set up by the CHP. Information including the latest local situation, list of buildings and list of flights/trains/ships relevant to the confirmed cases, countries/areas with reported cases as well as health advice and a "Novel Coronavirus Infection Local Situation Interactive Map Dashboard" are available on the webpage to help the public grasp the latest updates...

...Ends/Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Issued at HKT 21:00

[sharon sanders]

A spokesman from Princess Margaret Hospital says a 70-year-old coronavirus patient died on Wednesday morning, making him Hong Kong's second fatality. He was the 55th confirmed case.

https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/compone...abChangeable=0


55 14/02/2020 02/02/2020 M 70 Princess Margaret Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Possibly local

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.shine.cn/news/nation/2002192356/


Hong Kong reports 63rd confirmed case, 2nd death case of COVID-19
Xinhua
19:17 UTC+8, 2020-02-19

The number of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Hong Kong rose to 63 after another case was confirmed on Wednesday, and the death toll increased to two after one patient passed away on Wednesday morning, Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection (CHP) reported.

The newly confirmed case involves an 83-year-old female living in Hong Kong's Tuen Mun area. She had a fall on February 15 and was then hospitalized for hip fracture operation. After her daughter and son-in-law were diagnosed as Hong Kong's 60th and 57th COVID-19 cases, she was tested for novel coronavirus and confirmed positive on Wednesday, Chuang Shuk-kwan, head of the CHP's Communicable Disease Branch, said at a daily press briefing on Wednesday afternoon.

The patient had mild running nose on February 14, but did not develop fever during her hospitalization. The CHP's investigation showed that her husband had been to the Chinese mainland before the Lunar New Year. The husband has also been tested for novel coronavirus and the results are pending...

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021900385.htm LC Urgent Q1: Measures for tackling novel coronavirus outbreak
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Following is an urgent question by the Hon Alice Mak under Rule 24(4) of the Rules of Procedure and a reply by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, in the Legislative Council today (February 19):

Question:

As the authorities suspected that the cause for a tenant in Hong Mei House of Cheung Hong Estate in Tsing Yi being infected with the novel coronavirus recently was that a pipe of the toilet in the tenant's unit had not been sealed up, arrangements were made for around a hundred tenants in the building to live in quarantine centres temporarily. Has the Government laid down criteria specifying the circumstances under which mandatory closure of certain premises and temporary evacuation of the residents therein will be warranted; if not, whether it will forthwith do so; furthermore, whether the Government will immediately send officers to inspect those public housing units whose sewerage system is of a design similar to that of Cheung Hong Estate, with a view to preventing recurrence of similar incidents which will increase the risk of the virus spreading; besides, given that the outbreak has continued to aggravate, with an increasing number of people who are subject to quarantine or isolation, whether sufficient number of quarantine and isolation centres are in place and what are the related details (including the number of places as well as the status of their usage and demand); and whether there are plans to requisition other facilities or premises, etc. for quarantine and isolation uses in an effort to increase supply to meet the demand?

Reply:

President,

First of all, on behalf of the Government, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the President for convening today's meeting and allowing us the opportunity to respond to Members' questions regarding the Government's work on handling the virus outbreak. I would also like to thank all the attending Members as well as the Legislative Council Secretariat staff and colleagues who have helped arrange this meeting.

Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus infection, the Government has been closely monitoring the development of the situation and responded comprehensively with decisive and appropriate measures. In accordance with the Government's prevention and control strategies, we have introduced specific measures in the areas of health surveillance, compulsory quarantine, isolation treatment, health declaration, exit screening, reducing the flow of people between Hong Kong and the Mainland, enhancing "social distancing" locally, supporting front-line healthcare staff and provision of sufficient personal protective equipment.

Today, 11 Directors of Bureaux and I stand ready to answer Members' questions on the Government's work in disease prevention and control, demonstrating that we attach great importance to our relation with the Council and the principle of working in an open and transparent manner. I will first respond to the questions raised by Hon Alice Mak, explaining the Government's follow‑up work in relation to a confirmed case of novel coronavirus infection at Hong Mei House of Cheung Hong Estate in Tsing Yi and reporting on the arrangements for quarantine and isolation facilities.

Under the existing mechanism, if there is a cluster of infection in the same building or premises, or in adjacent buildings or premises, and environmental factors are suspected to have contributed to the spread of the disease concerned, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) will coordinate with the relevant Government departments and organisations and activate the "Multi-disciplinary Response Team" to investigate and examine if environmental factors are involved in the infection cases. If the investigation results show that environmental factors may have caused the spread of the disease, CHP will arrange for an asymptomatic resident be evacuated to a quarantine centre as a prudent infection control measure. Meanwhile, a symptomatic resident will be sent to a hospital for treatment.

Regarding the infection cases involving residents living at Hong Mei House of Cheung Hong Estate in Tsing Yi with the same orientation but on different floors, a Multi-disciplinary Response Team was immediately activated by CHP after detecting the cluster of infection cases. The Housing Department (HD) also took the initiative to inspect the units that shared the same dung channels or sewers and vent pipes with the units with infection cases. HD would conduct repairs to the pipes and vents concerned as appropriate during the inspection process.

In fact, buildings with Trident block design under the Housing Authority were completed from 1984 to 1991, and the sewage facilities,including the vent pipe in the toilet, met all the prevailing legal requirements as well as environmental hygiene and safety standards. There are no design issues involved. Hong Mei House is one of the buildings with Trident block design. The vent pipes connecting to the sewage drainage pipe are an indispensable part of the drainage system. There may be health risks if a resident improperly modifies the vent pipe in the toilet without making a formal application for the Housing Authority’s approval for alteration work.

For the cases of Hong Mei House, HD found that the household concerned on the lower floor had performed modifications to the pedestal toilet by cutting off the vent pipes connecting to the toilet without the Housing Authority's approval. HD has posted notice to remind tenants that prior approval must be obtained from the Housing Authority before any alteration work can be carried out. In addition, unauthorised modification of the pipes may also violate the Buildings Ordinance and/or breach the terms of the tenancy. If a tenant is concerned about the drainage pipe condition, or whether the modification of the pipes would pose any health risks, he/she can contact the relevant estate office for appropriate follow-up.

With regards to quarantine facilities, the Government is currently operating four quarantine centres for putting asymptomatic close contacts of confirmed cases under compulsory quarantine. The four quarantines centres are the Lady MacLehose Holiday Village, the Lei Yue Mun Park and Holiday Village, the Po Leung Kuk Jockey Club Pak Tam Chung Holiday Camp and the Heritage Lodge of the Jao Tsung-I Academy. They can provide 150 units in total. In view of the rapid development of the outbreak, including the recent successive occurrence of local infection cases, coupled with the increasing proportion of close contact persons among confirmed cases and the immediate evacuation for the purpose of disease investigation of infection cases, the usage rate of the quarantine centres is very high. As at 9am on February 18, over 80 per cent of the units of the four quarantine centres were in use.

In view of the development of the outbreak, the Government has endeavoured to look for more suitable sites and set up quarantine facilities in full steam. In view of the latest development, it is estimated that the Chun Yeung Estate in Fo Tan will soon commence operation as a quarantine centre, providing more than a thousand quarantine units in total. In addition, the Junior Police Call Permanent Activity Centre (JPC Centre) in Pat Heung, Yuen Long can be used as a quarantine centre shortly. On the other hand, we have been constructing additional units at the Lei Yue Mun Park and Holiday Village, the Sai Kung Outdoor Recreation Centre and the JPC Centre respectively, providing some additional 600 units in total. The relevant works are expected to be completed within April.

At the same time, the Government continues to look for other suitable sites for setting up more quarantine facilities. Among others, we will make use of a piece of Government land of four hectares at Penny's Bay to provide at least 600 quarantine units. In addition, we are following up with the Walt Disney Company which has agreed to explore the use of another site at Penny’s Bay reserved for future tourism development for constructing quarantine facilities.

As regards isolation facilities, as at noon on February 18, public hospitals were using about 937 isolation beds with an utilisation rate of about 30 per cent. In response to the changes in the situation, the Hospital Authority is carrying out internal alteration work at the Infectious Disease Centre of Princess Margaret Hospital to provide more isolation wards.

Thank you, President.



Ends/Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Issued at HKT 14:04

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021900384.htm

LC Urgent Q2: Measures for tackling novel coronavirus outbreak
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Following is an urgent question by Dr the Hon Kwok Ka-ki under Rule 24(4) of the Rules of Procedure and a reply by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, in the Legislative Council today (February 19):

Question:

As the novel coronavirus epidemic is raging throughout the Hubei Province, have the authorities closely monitored the conditions of those Hong Kong people stranded in the Hubei Province and rendered them appropriate assistance, and will the authorities expeditiously make arrangements for them to return to Hong Kong; what are the details of the authorities' work in this regard; in addition, do the authorities know what immediate measures that the Hospital Authority (HA) has put in place to ensure that adequate protective equipment is available for use by healthcare personnel so as to reduce their risks of contracting the virus, and whether HA has devised a contingency plan to deal with the situation where all items of the protective equipment have been used up?

Reply:

President,

The situation of the novel coronavirus infection is serious. It is the top priority of the Government and the Hong Kong community to step up our efforts to prevent and control the infection. We understand that members of the community are very concerned about the situation of Hong Kong people stranded in Hubei Province owing to the outbreak of the virus and the support provided to them by the Government, as well as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's ability to provide healthcare staff with an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) as the situation unfolds.

The HKSAR Government is very concerned about the situation of Hong Kong people in Hubei Province and maintains close communication with them through the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Wuhan (WHETO). WHETO has been actively following up on their cases and liaising with relevant local authorities to provide every appropriate and practicable assistance. As at February 18, we received more than 1 300 requests for assistance from Hong Kong people in Hubei Province, involving more than 2 500 Hong Kong people scattering over 30 cities in the Province. Some of them are in remote places such as Enshi and Shiyan.

We understand that some of the Hong Kong people in Hubei Province, especially those with chronic illnesses, require medicines provided from Hong Kong. WHETO has co-ordinated with the Department of Health (DH) and contacted the Hong Kong people in need to gather information about their medical history in Hong Kong, with a view to obtaining medicines that they need from the Hospital Authority (HA) or from private medical practitioners through their relatives and friends in Hong Kong. Given that these Hong Kong people are scattered in different locations across the Province, the medicines have to be further distributed to their respective places of residence after delivery to Wuhan. The HKSAR Government is working full steam ahead on this matter. As at February 18, arrangements have been made to deliver medicines to 120 Hong Kong people in Hubei Province.

In addition, DH has set up a health hotline to provide medical information to Hong Kong people in Hubei Province. WHETO has also provided them with contacts of medical organisations in Wuhan which offer online medical consultation services, through which those in need may seek medical advice. They may also call the emotional support hotlines operated by a non-governmental organisation for assistance.

After receiving requests for assistance, the relevant departments of the HKSAR Government have been making assessments and plans on bringing the Hong Kong people stranded in Hubei Province back to Hong Kong, including assessing in a thorough and prudent manner the risk on public health and the practicality of the operation. We have to not only avoid cross-infection among the returnees on their way back to Hong Kong, but also consider the quarantine arrangements for the returnees upon their arrival in Hong Kong. The latter includes the need to have sufficient quarantine facilities.

To minimise the risk of community-acquired infections, returnees from Hubei Province have to undergo 14-day quarantine and isolation in quarantine centres. Given that the number of Hong Kong people in Hubei Province is not small and in view of the current situation, the HKSAR Government will need to arrange their return to Hong Kong in batches. We will proceed with caution and continue to co-ordinate and follow up with the relevant Mainland authorities. We will also maintain contact with the Hong Kong people in Hubei Province and provide them with every appropriate and practicable assistance, with a view to helping them return to Hong Kong as soon as possible.

In respect of PPE of HA, with the development of the novel coronavirus infection, HA has expedited the procurement of PPE since January this year. Owing to the recent significant increase in the consumption of PPE, the stockpile of PPE in public hospitals as at February 15, which includes approximately 18 million surgical masks, 2.2 million protective gowns, 0.5 million face shields and 1.1 million N95 respirators, is only adequate for about one month's consumption. HA will use the stock prudently on a need basis to ensure that adequate PPE is available for use by healthcare staff.

Public hospitals have established guidelines on the use of PPE for medical procedures of different risk levels. Training is provided to allow frontline healthcare staff of various positions to understand and get familiar with infection control measures required for different medical procedures, including on the use of suitable PPE. Healthcare staff will put on suitable PPE depending on the type of infectious disease that the patient has, including whether it can be transmitted by droplets, is airborne or can be transmitted by contact. Healthcare worker treating patients in high-risk areas or performing high‑risk procedures will need to wear a full set of suitable PPE, including a N95 respirator. Ward facilities and arrangements for collecting patient specimens will also comply with the corresponding requirements on infection control.

At the moment, the transport and logistics supply of PPE is tight globally and there is a shortage of raw materials for manufacturing PPE. With the delivery by suppliers slowing down and shipments reducing, the stock of PPE kept by HA has been decreasing. Accordingly, public hospitals have strengthened stock control and reminded healthcare staff of the proper use of PPE. With the Government's co-ordination, some of the gears ordered earlier by HA has been delivered progressively since early February. HA will continue to endeavour to expedite the procurement of PPE so as to ensure that adequate PPE is provided to frontline healthcare staff for provision of services. Thank you, President.



Ends/Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Issued at HKT 14:06

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Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021900588.htm



Public hospitals daily update on COVID-19 cases
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

As at noon today (February 19), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 31 patients (10 male and 21 female, aged 19 to 83) in the past 24 hours who met the reporting criteria of COVID-19. Appropriate tests have been arranged for the patients.

There are 100 patients under isolation currently. So far, five patients with COVID-19 infection have been discharged upon recovery.

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/Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Issued at HKT 19:27

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021900676.htm
CHP investigates three additional cases of COVID-19
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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 8pm today (February 19), the CHP is investigating three additional cases of COVID-19, taking to 65 the number of confirmed cases so far in Hong Kong.

The first case involves an 83-year-old woman (the 63rd case) who is the mother-in-law of the 54-year-old male patient of the 57th case confirmed on February 16 and the mother of the 46-year-old female patient of the 60th case confirmed on February 17. The patient has underlying illnesses who lives in Block 1, Seaview Garden in Tuen Mun. She developed runny nose since February 14. She suffered from fractures caused by fall on February 15 and was admitted to the Orthopaedic ward of Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) for treatment. She underwent surgery on February 16. Healthcare staff of TMH later acknowledged that the patient's daughter and son-in-law were confirmed cases of COVID-19. She was subsequently transferred to isolation ward of the hospital yesterday and received testing for COVID-19.

Her respiratory sample was tested positive for novel coronavirus and is now in a stable condition. The patient had no travel history during the incubation period. Her husband who lived with her had cough since January 25 and had recovered. He is currently asymptomatic and has been admitted to TMH isolation ward for further examination.

The patient visited the Hoi Tin Garden Restaurant on its first floor located on 5 Sam Shing Street, Tuen Mun from 9am to 11am on February 14 for a meal. Those who also visited the first floor of Hoi Tin Garden Restaurant during the above period and develop symptoms later are urged to call the CHP hotline.

The second and third cases involve a couple who are a 68-year-old man (the 64th case) and a 70-year-old woman (the 65th case) with underlying illnesses. They live in Sui Moon House, Siu Sai Wan Estate. They developed cough since February 12 and consulted a private doctor for persistent cough on February 18, and sought medical attention at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital and were admitted for treatment. Their respiratory samples were tested positive for novel coronavirus and are now in stable condition. They had no travel history during the incubation period. Their daughter who live together is asymptomatic and will be arranged for quarantine.

Relevant contract tracing by the CHP is ongoing.

A spokesman for the CHP said, "According to our preliminary epidemiological investigations, some of the confirmed cases are locally infected. The CHP strongly urged the public to maintain at all times strict personal and environmental hygiene which is key to personal protection against infection and prevention of the spread of the disease in the community."

The spokesman said, "On the personal level, members of the public should wear a surgical mask when having respiratory symptoms, taking public transport or staying in crowded places. They should also perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes. The public should go out less and reduce social activities, and maintain appropriate social distance with other people as far as possible."

"As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps); after using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs."

The CHP will report the cases to the World Health Organization, National Health Commission, Health Commission of Guangdong Province and the Hospital Authority.

The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. 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 public enquiries. The hotline operates from 8am to midnight daily. As at 4pm today, a total of 16 698 calls were received.

A dedicated webpage (www.gov.hk/ncv) has been set up by the CHP. Information including the latest local situation, list of buildings and list of flights/trains/ships relevant to the confirmed cases, countries/areas with reported cases as well as health advice and a local situation interactive map dashboard are available on the webpage to help the public grasp the latest updates.


..Ends/Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Issued at HKT 22:10

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021900709.htm
CE visits Centre for Health Protection and inspects quarantine centre at Chun Yeung Estate (with photos/video)
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The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, visited the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health this afternoon (February 19), expressing her heartfelt thanks to the staff's efforts in the prevention and control of the disease days and nights. She also inspected the Chun Yeung Estate in Fo Tan which will be used for quarantine centre to learn about the progress of its preparation.

Accompanied by the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, and the Director of Health, Dr Constance Chan, Mrs Lam visited various working units in the CHP including the home quarantine working group under the non-communicable disease branch, communicable disease branch, health promotion branch, emergency response and programme management branch, infection control branch, etc. She was briefed about the actions taken against the disease in the past month or so and exchanged views with the front-line officers there to learn more about their work.

The Government set up the CHP in 2004 under the recommendation in the report by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Expert Committee to strength the Government's capability in the prevention and control of diseases.

Mrs Lam said that the CHP has shouldered the duty to protect Hong Kong against diseases and has been standing at the front-line in the ongoing anti-epidemic work. She thanked the centre's staff for their dedicated work days and nights in carrying out various initiatives including health surveillance, compulsory quarantine, isolation treatment, health declaration, exit screening, etc. She also noted that they meet the media every day to brief the public on the latest development of the disease, and disseminate heath information. A lot of the information is provided in different languages to cater for the needs of the ethnic minorities. She praised the centre's staff for their professionalism and high efficiency, expressing confidence that they will continue to spare no effort in tackling the disease in accordance with the three principles namely making prompt responses, staying alert and working in an open and transparent manner.

Mrs Lam, Professor Chan and Dr Chan later visited Chun Yeung Estate, which will be used as quarantine centre, to learn about its preparatory work. She noted that the first batch of over 500 units is now available and ready for persons under quarantine to move in, including the Hong Kong residents on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship who will soon be returning to Hong Kong from Japan by Government's chartered flights. She expressed her gratitude to the Department of Health, the Police, the Civil Aid Service, the Home Affairs Department, the Housing Department, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer and the Government Logistics Department for their efforts in making ready such a large number of units in a very short period time to meet the anti-epidemic need, contributing to the protection of public health.

Mrs Lam stressed that all persons being arranged to stay at quarantine centres are not confirmed or suspected cases, and the operation of the quarantine centres must also meet the stringent requirements. Security and healthcare staff will be on duty round the clock in the quarantine centres. Transfer service for leaving and entering the centres will be provided to people under quarantine, therefore the impact on the community should be minor. She said she understood that the use of Chun Yeung Estate as a quarantine centre will affect the families who have been allocated with the units there earlier, but she hoped that they could appreciate the need to do so on public health grounds and support the Government's anti-epidemic work.

The Government has announced earlier that the Anti-epidemic fund will provide a one-off special allowance of $6,000 to the families allocated with public housing units at Chun Yeung Estate in Fo Tan, and Fai Ming Estate in Fanling which was severely damaged by rioters earlier.

Mrs Lam said the Anti-Epidemic Fund aims to strengthen the anti-epidemic work in Hong Kong and support the affected sectors and workers. As the Fund will benefit a large number of people and in view of the current emergency situation, she said she hoped that the funding application will be approved by the Legislative Council as soon as possible.

The Legislative Council has decided to convene a special Finance Committee meeting on February 21 to consider the funding application of the Anti-epidemic Fund.



Ends/Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Issued at HKT 22:45