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  • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0020800612.htm
    Government appeals to all sectors to step up efforts in reducing social contacts in community
    ************************************************** *************************


    In response to the developments in controlling the spread of the novel coronavirus epidemic, a Government spokesman today (February 8) urged all sectors to step up efforts in reducing social contacts and appealed to the public to stay at home as far as possible.

    The spokesman said that in order to safeguard public health, social distancing is of paramount importance to prevent the further spread of the epidemic. The Government has urged all statutory and advisory bodies, including all District Councils, to cancel activities and meetings in the coming two weeks. District Offices will not provide venues and secretarial service for convening meetings.

    Various cultural, sports and district activities have also been cancelled. About 3 000 programmes have been cancelled due to the closure of all performing venues under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the West Kowloon Cultural District. Public libraries, museums and sports facilities have been temporarily closed already.

    The spokesman urged the general public to comply with the measures that the Government rolled out earlier to reduce the risk of the spread of the virus in the community.



    Ends/Saturday, February 8, 2020
    Issued at HKT 18:35

    ************************************************** **********

    Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0020800621.htm
    Public hospital daily update on Wuhan-related cases
    ******************************************


    The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

    As at noon today (February 8), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 44 patients (26 male and 18 female, aged 10 months to 78) 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 still 81 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 8, 2020
    Issued at HKT 18:56



    Comment


    • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0020800654.htm

      Update on cases of novel coronavirus infection
      *************************************


      The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 8pm today (February 8), no new case of novel coronavirus infection is recorded and the number of confirmed cases so far in Hong Kong remained at 26.

      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's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. The CHP is also closely monitoring and following up on the contact tracing of relevant confirmed cases in the Mainland and overseas. 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 8 235 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.

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

      ...Ends/Saturday, February 8, 2020
      Issued at HKT 20:05

      Comment


      • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0020800708.htm
        CHP conducts tests on novel coronavirus for crew members of World Dream cruise
        ************************************************** ****************


        The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (February 8) said that as some Mainland travellers who took the World Dream cruise were earlier confirmed to have infected with the novel coronavirus, tests on novel coronavirus will be conducted on all crew members of the cruise ship to safeguard passengers on board. The tests would be completed in about four days.

        A spokesman for the CHP stressed, "The health of passengers and the general public of Hong Kong is our utmost priority in making the quarantine arrangement and hence the prudent measures adopted. We fully understand the inconvenience caused by the arrangements and hope to have the understanding and co-operation of those affected in fighting against the spread of the infection together."

        Personnel of the Port Health Division have earlier taken specimens from symptomatic crew members and passengers for test on novel coronavirus, with all the results being negative. However, as some crew members might have direct contact with the passengers confirmed with novel coronavirus infection (i.e. passengers who disembarked from the cruise at Nansha on January 24), upon relevant experts' advice, we have decided to conduct tests on novel coronavirus for 1 800 odd crew members on board. The aim is to exclude that they are infected and thus will not cause health threats to passengers.

        Personnel of the Port Health Division have been collecting specimens from crew members for the testing since today. Owing to the vast number of crew members, it is expected that the test of crew members would be completed in about four days (i.e. February 11). Before the results are available, all people will be required to remain on the cruise ship.

        This morning, the Food and Health Bureau, the DH and other relevant government departments had met with representatives from the cruise company to discuss the arrangement on board for the following four days. The cruise company will continue to provide assistance and facilitate Government's measures of disease prevention and control, as well as providing daily necessities to passengers. The medical needs of passengers will be attended to and delivery of medication to patients will be arranged, particularly to those with imminent needs. For patients with appointment with the Hospital Authority in the next few days, they may contact relevant clinics to reschedule their appointment. The Home Affairs Department has also established a 24 hour hotline (Kowloon City District Office: 2621 3400 or Kwun Tong District Office: 2756 0665) to provide assistance.

        The spokesman urged, "Passengers are reminded to observe personal hygiene at all times, and that hand hygiene should be performed frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes; before eating; after going to toilets; after touching public installations such as handrails or door knobs; or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing. It is advised to wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds, then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, performing hand hygiene with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub is an effective alternative. Gathering should be avoided and a surgical mask should be worn when staying in crowded places."

        The CHP again appealed to members of the public who took the cruise since January 19 to call the CHP's hotline 2125 1122 which operates from 8am to midnight daily.



        Ends/Saturday, February 8, 2020
        Issued at HKT 22:10

        NNNN

        Comment


        • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0020800775.htm

          Transcript of remarks by CE at media session (with video)
          ***********************************************


          Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session with the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau; the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, and the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, today (February 8):

          Reporter: Today, how many people arrived Hong Kong from the Mainland and are they all in quarantine? What does the 161 mean?

          Chief Executive: I'll try to explain the figures in English. At the moment, Hong Kong has only three control points still in operation. They are the Hong Kong International Airport, the Shenzhen Bay as well as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. The Hong Kong International Airport, as you know, serves mostly international passengers. Actually, today's arrival, over 90 per cent are arrivals at the airport. This figure of 8,953 - total arrivals as at 4pm today, of the 8,953 as I just mentioned, over 90 per cent were arrivals at the airport, and arrivals at the airport very often will not be caught by the new regulation because they are not passengers arriving from the Mainland. But if those arrivals from international flights are passengers who have been in the Mainland for the past 14 days, they will still be caught by the new regulation. I just want to explain the legal basis.

          Coming back to the two land-based border control points, logically one would think since they are land-based so they are connected to the Mainland. The total arrivals are 807. The breakdown is like this: 125 from the Shenzhen Bay Control Point; 682 from the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. A further breakdown will show you that of the arrivals through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, many of them were Macao residents or Hong Kong people returning from Macao, and again, they are not caught by the regulation because they are arrivals from Macao. As a result of all these things, those who are subject to the mandatory quarantine order as at today's 4pm are 161 arrivals.

          Reporter: Sorry, but then I understand the two land border crossings, but out of all of the 90 per cent of arrivals at the airport, it means very few of them are in any quarantine.

          Chief Executive: If they are not subject to the public health concerns, I have no basis to put them onto the quarantine.

          Reporter: So if they arrive from Mainland China, is it, my understanding of the new regulations as of midnight Friday, if they arrive from Mainland China by any of these arrival methods, then they should be quarantined?

          Chief Executive: Yes, definitely. All passengers from Mainland flights arriving Hong Kong airport and coming into Hong Kong - in other words they are landing in Hong Kong, they are not just transit - they will be subject to the quarantine order. But the numbers are very small. I am sure you may notice there was one flight from Beijing with only one passenger on board, so the number is very small. But there are arrivals from the Mainland who are not necessarily Mainlanders, they could be overseas travellers arriving from the Mainland who just want to transit at the Hong Kong International Airport.

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



          Ends/Saturday, February 8, 2020
          Issued at HKT 23:08

          NNNN


          Comment


          • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0020900481.htm

            Public hospital daily update on Wuhan-related cases
            ******************************************


            The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

            As at noon today (February 9), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 29 patients (13 male and 16 female, aged four to 93) 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 still 50 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/Sunday, February 9, 2020
            Issued at HKT 17:47

            Comment




            • Hong Kong confirms three new cases of coronavirus infections, bringing tally to 29, with seven others testing positive

              • Two of the confirmed cases are linked to the seven who tested positive, with all of them part of a larger family gathering
              • Officials separately appeal for calm over panic buying sparked by fears of food shortage
              ... snip
              "The only security we have is our ability to adapt."

              Comment


              • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0020900564.htm
                Government completes health quarantine work on World Dream cruise
                ************************************************** *******


                The Government today (February 9) announced that the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) had completed tests on the novel coronavirus for over 1 800 crew members on the World Dream cruise. All samples tested negative for the novel coronavirus.

                The Port Health Division of the DH has completed health quarantine work on the World Dream cruise and all people on board can disembark. The Government will facilitate immigration procedures for passengers. The cruise company will arrange passengers to disembark in an orderly manner and will provide them with a shuttle bus service.

                The Government expresses appreciation to passengers and crew members for their understanding and patience during the past few days, and to the cruise company for its cooperation with the Government in implementing preventive and control measures. The Government also expresses gratitude to colleagues for joining hands in safeguarding public health, including those who are responsible for health quarantine work in the frontline, those conducting tests in laboratories, and those providing logistics support.

                A spokesperson for the Government reiterated that, "In view of the spread of the novel coronavirus infection in the community, public health is our utmost priority. As some travellers who took the World Dream cruise were earlier confirmed to have been infected with the novel coronavirus, some crew members might have had direct contact with them. Upon relevant experts’ advice, the CHP decided to conduct tests on crew members with a view to protecting the health of passengers. The purpose of the tests is to exclude that they are infected and thus will not pose health threats to the passengers."...

                ...Ends/Sunday, February 9, 2020
                Issued at HKT 19:46

                Comment


                • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0020900655.htm

                  Government continues to explain operation of quarantine centres to public
                  ************************************************** **********


                  A spokesman for the Government today (February 9) said, with the developments and changes of the novel coronavirus infection, it is necessary for the Government to ensure sufficient quarantine facilities for combatting the disease.

                  Currently, the occupancy of three quarantine centres, namely the MacLehose Holiday Village, the Lei Yue Mun Park and Holiday Village and Po Leung Kuk Jockey Club Pak Tam Chung Holiday Camp, has reached their maximum capacity. The Government is actively preparing to convert the Heritage Lodge of the Jao Tsung-I Academy into the fourth quarantine centre.

                  Regarding the plan to use Chun Yeung Estate as a quarantine centre, closely followed by meeting with the residents in the neighbourhood yesterday afternoon to explain the relevant use, representatives from the Food and Health Bureau (FHB), the Department of Health and the Housing Department today briefed the members of the Sha Tin District Council about the arrangement of the quarantine centre.

                  Moreover, representatives from the FHB earlier attended the Sham Shui Po District Council meeting on February 5 to explain the use of the Jao Tsung-I Academy as a quarantine centre and listened to their views.

                  When searching for the sites, the Government has thoroughly considered whether the facilities meet the requirements for a quarantine centre including location, overall facilities and infrastructure, environment, the possible impact to the residents nearby, as well as the time required for its operation. It will also ensure that the operation of the quarantine centres meets 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, who will not take part in any community activities. Entry into and departure from the quarantine centres are not allowed without written permission of health personnel.

                  According to the prevailing measures, patients confirmed to have been infected with or suspected to be infected by the novel coronavirus will be admitted to hospitals for isolation and treatment. Whether being arranged to stay at quarantine centres or to be put under compulsory home quarantine, they are not confirmed or suspected cases. They are close contacts of confirmed cases or those have been to Hubei Province in the past 14 days, and without any symptoms.

                  In order to prevent the transmission of the disease in the community with a view to achieving the highest effectiveness of the compulsory quarantine measures, the co-operation of the whole community is indispensable, the spokesman added. The setting up of quarantine centres not only protects those under quarantine, but also safeguards everybody's health. Thus, it is hoped that the whole community can fight the disease together.

                  Regarding some District Council members not allowing participating Government officers to leave after the end of the around four-hour meeting today, the spokesman expressed regret and reiterated the importance of rational discussion.



                  Ends/Sunday, February 9, 2020
                  Issued at HKT 22:01

                  Comment


                  • Hong Kong CHP confirms 36 cases:


                    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 Hospitalised 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 Hospitalised 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 Hospitalised 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
                    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 Imported
                    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 Hospitalised 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
                    30 09/02/2020 29/01/2020 M 68 Ruttonjee Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of possibly local
                    31 09/02/2020 29/01/2020 F 57 Ruttonjee Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of possibly local
                    32 09/02/2020 28/01/2020 M 22 Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of possibly local
                    33 09/02/2020 02/02/2020 F 50 Ruttonjee Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of possibly local
                    34 09/02/2020 30/01/2020 F 25 Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of possibly local
                    35 09/02/2020 05/02/2020 F 51 Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of possibly local
                    36 09/02/2020 07/02/2020 M 23 Ruttonjee Hospital Hospitalised HK resident Close contact of possibly local

                    * The case classification may be subject to changes when there is new information available.




                    Comment


                    • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0020900704.htm

                      CHP investigates 10 additional cases of novel coronavirus infection
                      ************************************************** ***


                      The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 8pm today (February 9), the CHP is investigating 10 additional cases of novel coronavirus infection, taking to 36 the number of confirmed cases so far in Hong Kong.

                      The first case involves a 24-year-old man with good past health who lives in **** Fook Mansion, 356-362 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai. He developed fever and cough since January 30 and sought medical attention from a private doctor on the same day. He consulted another private doctor on February 4 and sought treatment at St Paul’s Hospital’s Outpatient Department on February 6. He then sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department at Ruttonjee Hospital and was admitted for isolation and management on February 8. His respiratory sample was tested positive for novel coronavirus. He is in stable condition.

                      Based on the epidemiological investigations of this case, the CHP has traced and confirmed eight more cases of novel coronavirus infection today (which are cases 3 to 10 today), involving three family clusters. They are all family members and relatives of the first case.

                      The first family cluster included the male patient’s father (68-year-old), mother (57-year-old) and maternal grandmother (91-year-old). The second family cluster included the third younger sister (51-year-old) of the male patient’s mother and the male patient’s cousins (25-year-old female and 22-year-old male). The third family cluster included the fourth younger sister (50-year-old) of the male patient’s mother and the male patient’s cousin (23-year-old male). Their respiratory samples were all tested positive for novel coronavirus, and they were admitted for isolation and management at Ruttonjee Hospital and Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital respectively.

                      According to the 24-year-old patient's information, he had no travel history during the incubation period. On January 26, he had hot pot with 18 relatives, including the above 8 confirmed cases, at Lento Party Room in Kwun Tong. Among them, two more have shown symptoms and are currently hospitalised in Prince of Wales Hospital for treatment. Relevant epidemiological investigations and contact tracing are ongoing.

                      The second case involves a 70-year-old man with underlying illnesses who resides in Choi Fung Court in Ngau Chi Wan. He developed cough, chills and shortness of breath since January 30 and diarrhoea since February 1. He had consulted two private doctors during the period from February 1 to February 7 and attended the United Christian Hospital on February 8 for persistent chills and shortness of breath where he was admitted for isolation and management. His respiratory sample was tested positive for novel coronavirus. He is now in a stable condition.

                      According to the patient's information, he had no travel history during the incubation period and mainly stayed at his home and his son’s home at the same building. His close contacts, namely his wife, son, daughter-in-law, grandson, granddaughter and domestic helper are asymptomatic and quarantine will be arranged.

                      A spokesman for the CHP said, "According to our preliminary epidemiological investigations, some of the confirmed cases are believed to be 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, Health Bureau of Macao.

                      The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. The CHP is also closely monitoring and following up on the contact tracing of relevant confirmed cases in the Mainland and overseas. 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 8 825 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/Sunday, February 9, 2020
                      Issued at HKT 23:40

                      Comment


                      • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0020900715.htm

                        Compulsory quarantine implemented smoothly
                        **************************************


                        A Government spokesman said today (February 9) that the implementation of a 14-day compulsory quarantine on people entering Hong Kong from the Mainland starting yesterday has been smooth in general, with the cross-boundary flow of people between Hong Kong and the Mainland reduced significantly as expected and that the requirement for people issued with quarantine orders to stay at home will help reduce the risk of the spread of the virus in the community.

                        Starting yesterday, all people who enter Hong Kong from the Mainland or who have been to the Mainland in the past 14 days preceding arrival at Hong Kong, including Hong Kong residents, Mainland residents and visitors from other places, shall stay at home or other accommodation for a 14-day compulsory quarantine upon entry, even if they have not developed any symptoms and passed temperature checks. Persons under quarantine have to stay at the dwelling places. They are prohibited to go out or leave Hong Kong. Offenders are subject to a fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for six months. As the risk of these people is relatively low, they can conduct compulsory quarantine at home or the dwelling places for 14 days and their family members are not required to conduct compulsory quarantine. There were altogether 468 people, including 411 Hong Kong residents and 57 non-Hong Kong residents, being subject to compulsory quarantine yesterday. Among them, 459 conducted quarantine at homes or hotels while nine others were at accommodation provided by the Government. From the implementation of the measure yesterday till 7pm today, a total of 918 people, including 814 Hong Kong residents and 104 non-Hong Kong residents, were subject to compulsory quarantine, with only 12 of them arranged to be accommodated at Government facilities.

                        The spokesman stressed that self-discipline and community solidarity in fighting against the disease are of upmost importance to implementation of compulsory quarantine, adding that the Government will ensure the persons under compulsory quarantine stay at homes by spot checks and telephone calls. In addition, most of the people under compulsory quarantine took their initiative to co-operate with the working staff to confirm that they are staying at their dwelling places through the real-time location sharing function of mobile phone communication applications. The spokesman said the Government will continue to monitor and adjust the monitoring methods having regard to the number of people requiring quarantine and whether they co-operate with the authorities etc to ensure that the measures are effective.

                        Since compulsory quarantine may cause inconvenience to affected people, the Home Affairs Department (HAD) and various District Offices have set up 37 hotlines for people to make enquiries. About 130 calls for assistance or enquiries have been received. If people under quarantine are unable to arrange for themselves necessities for their daily living, the Social Welfare Department (SWD) will also provide assistance. Actually, the SWD provided assistance to 16 people from 10 families yesterday.

                        To ensure the normal operation of the community including the transportation of all the daily necessities of the public as usual, certain categories of persons (for example cross-boundary goods vehicle drivers) will be exempted from compulsory quarantine. However, the exempted categories of persons during their stay in Hong Kong are subject to medical surveillance and are required to wear masks and check temperature daily for reporting to the Department of Health (DH). In addition, exempted persons are also subject to the temperature check and health declaration procedures carried out by the DH at various boundary control points during arrival and departure clearance.

                        The spokesman stressed that the measures implemented yesterday have not affected freight services to Hong Kong. The number of goods vehicle trips arriving Hong Kong yesterday was more than 1 900 and there is no need for the public to worry about the supply of food and goods of daily necessities.

                        The spokesman said compulsory quarantine can be implemented smoothly within a short period of time, thanks to the co-operation of all relevant government departments including the DH, the HAD, the SWD, the Immigration Department, the Police and other disciplinary forces as well as all volunteers. The Government expresses its gratitude to all the participants involved.

                        With the implementation of the compulsory quarantine, the cross-boundary passenger flow between Hong Kong and the Mainland has been substantially reduced as expected. The total number of arrivals yesterday (February 8) was 23 399, which has dropped 76 per cent when compared to the figure of the previous day. Most of them were Hong Kong residents returning from overseas and international visitors by air. The number of passengers arriving Hong Kong via the two operating land-based control points (i.e. Shenzhen Bay and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge) yesterday was 1 430, registering a drop of 98 per cent from the previous day and most of them were passengers from Macao to Hong Kong. As at 7pm today, the number of arrivals via the Hong Kong International Airport, the control points at the Shenzhen Bay and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge was 14 763, 270 and 810 respectively.

                        The spokesman said the smooth implementation of compulsory quarantine and the substantially reduced cross-boundary passenger flow can help reduce the risk of transmission and spread of the disease in the community. However, it is also important for the public to beware of social distancing. Pointing out that the coming two weeks are critical, the spokesman appeals to members of the public to stay united to win together the battle against the disease. In particular, members of the public should stay at home as much as possible and refrain from going to crowded places and pay attention to personal hygiene.



                        Ends/Sunday, February 9, 2020
                        Issued at HKT 23:55

                        Comment


                        • Eastern District Hospital "mask mask shortage" Internal medicine ward issued a paper bag of N95 Reuse emergency daily limit of two N95

                          2/9/2020 — 18:52


                          The outbreak of Wuhan's new coronavirus in Hong Kong has continued, and there has been a shortage of port masks, even though Chief Executive Lin Zheng Yue'e has repeatedly stressed that masks will be given priority to medical personnel. However, "Position News" was informed that there was a serious "mask shortage" in the Eastern District Hospital of Hong Kong East Connected Leading Hospital. The internal medical department even issued a notice. There were serious shortages of N95 masks, surgical surgical masks, and masks. Brown paper bags were distributed for employees to wear. Reuse N95 masks.

                          The Accident and Emergency Department of the hospital did not hesitate to give up. Some medical staff revealed that the alcohol hand rub was out of stock. Each medical staff could only use 2 N95 masks.

                          The ward manager of the Eastern District Hospital issued a notice to internal medical staff, saying that due to severe shortages of all personal protective equipment, N95 masks, surgical surgical masks, masks, etc., the department manager urged all medical personnel to wear surgical surgical masks only. Wear N95 masks, only one can be used for each change.

                          The notice also said that if medical staff wished to reuse the masks, the hospital would distribute brown paper bags for medical staff to pack N95 masks and reuse them in the future.

                          Accident and emergency rooms are limited to 2 N95. No mask change is recommended for cases with fever or suspected cases

                          In addition, some medical personnel also disclosed to this website that alcohol hand rubs in the emergency department are out of stock, and medical personnel are limited to 2 N95 masks per person per day unless they are replaced by high-risk procedures. The medical staff continued to point out that it is not recommended to replace the mask if the medical staff has visited fever patients or suspected infection cases.

                          The doctor said that the department had previously stated that it had ordered N95 masks, but only learned last week that only 3 boxes could be delivered to the department. "All mask materials have been locked and the location of the medical staff's collection is unknown."

                          Some netizens said that by 5 pm, the hospital would resupply alcohol hand rub.

                          HA: adequate equipment for front-line colleagues

                          Chief Executive Manager of the Hospital Authority, Liu Jiaxian, reiterated at a press conference today that the HA is currently equipped with enough equipment for front-line colleagues to use it for one month. As for the situation of individual hospitals, he said that the situation of each hospital will be reviewed, and "they will definitely send foot (mask) to each hospital for frontline use." He emphasized that he will ensure the safety of medical staff at work. "Position" has inquired the Hospital Authority about the issue of reusing N95 in a paper bag. The Hospital Authority stated that Liu Jiaxian's response at the press conference today shall prevail.



                          Comment


                          • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021000492.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 10), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 42 patients (13 male and 29 female, aged 21 to 92) 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 still 95 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/Monday, February 10, 2020
                            Issued at HKT 18:03

                            Comment


                            • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021000639.htm
                              Government responds to media enquiries on legislating on mask supply and prices
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                              In response to media enquiries relating to legislating on the supply and prices of surgical masks, a Government spokesman said the following today (February 10):

                              For the supply of surgical masks, the Government has been adopting a multi-pronged approach to procure surgical masks globally through different channels and means. These include the Government Logistics Department procuring directly from suppliers and through referrals from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices and from individual sources in order to secure the supply of masks and other protective items as soon as possible to meet the needs of the Government operation. At the same time, the Government prioritises the distribution of surgical masks of the Government stock in accordance with the risk level. Priority is given to healthcare workers and personnel providing care services (including front-line healthcare workers, nursing staff in institutions, healthcare personnel in private clinics); and personnel who provide essential services and who are required to have contact with the public at work (such as those providing public transport, emergency services and immigration services). In addition to imports, the Government strives to explore prospects of local production. The Correctional Services Department has also increased its production volume. 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.

                              Given experts' assessment that the virus may last for a period of time and that there are confirmed cases in various countries and regions, the demand for surgical masks has risen sharply, causing difficulties in procurement. As the supply of surgical masks is tight in the short run, the Government considers that it is more pragmatic to strive to increase supply of surgical masks and manage the demand. The Government currently does not have any plans to mandatorily control the supply and prices of surgical masks through legislation, because this could be counterproductive, rather than addressing the problem at source, i.e. inadequate supply.

                              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 reduce need for people from gathering and contacting. They include extending the suspension of classes, 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 under the Social Welfare Department's subvention.

                              Besides, according to the recommendations of the Centre for Health Protection, although surgical masks can effectively prevent the spread of virus, the public should also pay attention to personal hygiene other than wearing surgical masks. Members of the public should perform hand hygiene more frequently especially if they are 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.



                              Ends/Monday, February 10, 2020
                              Issued at HKT 20:34

                              Comment


                              • Hong Kong University has announced they will only do online classes in the month of March. No face-to-face classroom meetings until March 30

                                Dear colleagues and students The University is continuing to draw on expert medical knowledge in monitoring the coronavirus situation in Hong Kong. While


                                Dear colleagues and students

                                The University is continuing to draw on expert medical knowledge in monitoring the coronavirus situation in Hong Kong. While all of us are eager to return to teaching and learning in early March, we realize that it is now unlikely that scheduled classes on campus will be able to resume so quickly. As long as there is risk of infection in a crowded classroom, we cannot deliver face-to-face teaching. I’m writing to inform you of how we envisage the remainder of the semester unfolding.

                                Please note that the teaching and assessment schedules for professional undergraduate programmes may differ from those described below, and will be announced separately by programme directors.

                                Undergraduate programmes
                                Now – Feb 15 As you know, we are devoting these two weeks to online learning.
                                Feb 17 – 29 As announced previously, we will take a recess for the final two weeks of the month to enable teachers to make course adjustments for the rest of the semester, and to enable students to engage in self-study based on the three weeks of teaching already undertaken in the semester.
                                Mar 2 – 28 Since the coronavirus situation in Hong Kong is likely to prevent us from resuming campus teaching in March, we will return to online learning for these four weeks. While some students may be able to visit the campus for specific activities, there will be no scheduled face-to-face classes. We plan to make use of the reading week (March 9-14) for online classes, though we will of course respond sympathetically to absence requests from colleagues and students with pre-existing commitments.
                                Mar 30 – May 16 We hope to resume scheduled classes on campus for these seven weeks. Should that not be possible because of ongoing health and safety concerns in Hong Kong, we will make an early announcement of alternative arrangements. (In the event that it becomes safe to return to on-campus teaching before the end of March, we will seize the opportunity and make an announcement to all students at least 14 days in advance.)
                                May 18 – Jun 6 We intend to conduct proctored exams during the assessment period, and will require all students taking exams to be present in the examination hall. We will move the assessment period back by one week, with the aim of bringing the semester to a close in early June. We have heard from many students, especially in the final year, about the importance of concluding the semester within a reasonable timeframe. We will make every effort to do that.

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