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

[tetano]

Coronavirus: seven more cases confirmed in Hong Kong, taking city’s total number to 49


Seven more patients in Hong Kong have been infected with the deadly coronavirus, taking the city’s tally to 49.

The Centre for Health Protection’s Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan said on Tuesday one of the new cases was connected to a shared family hotpot meal during Lunar New Year while three more were related to the 42nd case, who lives in Hong Mei House in Tsing Yi’s Cheung Hong Estate.

The woman’s son and his wife who lived in the same flat, as well as the son’s wife’s father, were all infected.

“They had some gatherings and activities during Lunar New Year, but no travel history,” Chuang said.








Three other cases concerning a 59-year-old church employee who worked in Siu Sai Wan, a 71-year-old man who lived in Po Lam Estate and a 66-year-old Tuen Mun resident, were not connected to previous clusters.





https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/...rmed-hong-kong

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021100416.htm

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


Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting with the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan and the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, today (February 11):

Reporter: Mrs Lam, just now, you talked about the Hong Mei Estate in Tsing Yi. But you mentioned there are still nine households where the Government’s work continued to be done, so can you explain a little bit more what’s happening at those nine households? And as the Government tried to evacuate the residents, has any household or resident been refusing to leave the premises, or if they refuse to leave the estate, is there any legal responsibility that they have to bear? And secondly, you’ve already explained there are people who refuse to be quarantined at home and you said if they continue to refuse, they will be asked to wear these smart wristbands but officials previously have already explained that even if they wear those wristbands, there’s no way to track where they are, so would the Government consider stronger measures to be adopted on these people? And number three, Professor Sophia Chan yesterday mentioned that she would strongly urge operators of karaokes and cinemas to stop operation for about two weeks. But again, the Government is just urging them to do that. If they refuse to stop operation, would the Government consider stronger measures to shut them down or compel them to stop their business? Thank you.

Chief Executive: Well, thank you. I will answer the second and third questions and then invite Professor Chan to address the Tsing Yi case, but as I said, the situation is still ongoing, so I will appeal to you to have a little bit of patience. When we have finished the investigation later today by both the engineering team and the public health team, and they have reported to me and Professor Chan on the situation, we will certainly give you a fuller account on the actual situation. Let’s see whether Professor Chan has anything to add to the nine households who have yet to be contacted.

About the people subject to the compulsory quarantine, the first thing is these people will have to shoulder criminal liabilities if they do not comply with the conditions in the quarantine order. Like many other things, there are consequences for non-compliance but if the individuals, they never mind, they are willing to shoulder the criminal liabilities of not complying, then we will have to do the law enforcement actions as I mentioned in the second measure that we will introduce. But let me just make this clear again - in order to fight this virus, Hong Kong needs the full co-operation and active participation of every member of society. This is a time for social cohesion. This is a time for every one of us to display civic responsibility. For people subject to 14-day quarantine, I understand sometimes it’s a bit difficult to stay at home for a full two weeks but they are doing a service to this fight against the virus by staying at home. I hope that they are not those who deliberately refuse to comply. They may have some personal reasons that they want to go out for a while. Once we catch them, we will issue a warning and then we may put them on the wristbands and we may send them to the quarantine centre so that there is better assurance that they will comply. But the other leg of this enforcement is we will do all we could, the various means that I have described, to check their compliance by using WhatsApp software, by calling them up and also by random spot checks to their homes by the relevant officers. We will continue to do so. If they need support and hence they need to go out, then they could call our hotlines. The colleagues in the Home Affairs Department are running 37 hotlines and the Social Welfare Department has mobilised over 100 colleagues and volunteers to provide services like meals and medicines and other things. We will provide as much as possible facilitation to ensure that they could comply and stay at home.

The third point is - yes, as part and parcel of enhancing social distancing, we are making an appeal to the people of Hong Kong to stay at home as much as possible. This means that they should avoid some social interactions and participation in social activities and family reunions and friends meeting and so on. But at the moment, we are making this appeal, we are not going for compulsory closures because Hong Kong is a free society and I believe that many of these operators are already taking very strong precautionary measures that while they are opening their venues for business, they are also very concerned about infection, so they’re doing all sorts of measures to ensure that even if customers are coming in, there are sufficient precautionary measures to avoid infections taking place in their venues.

Secretary for Food and Health: The staff of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) have actually gone through all the 34 households last night. Of the households that they have contacted and have done the epidemiological investigations, there are nine households that they cannot contact. They will continue the work today. As far as the situation of the nine households is concerned, some of them (the households) have not replied when they (CHP staff) tried to contact them. They will continue the work today because they are not sure if they (the households) were asleep or actually no one was in the unit.

Reporter:… legal consequences?…

Chief Executive: Again as I said, let’s wait until the colleagues have done some investigation and we will explain to you the situation, hopefully, later today.

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




Ends/Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Issued at HKT 14:57

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021100525.htm

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


The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

As at noon today (February 11), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 52 patients (25 male and 27 female, aged 20 months to 79 years) in the past 24 hours who met the reporting criteria of severe respiratory disease associated with a novel infectious agent. Specimens of the patients concerned have been sent for testing. There are still 117 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/Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Issued at HKT 17:45

[Treyfish]

Steve Herman

@W7VOA
Voluntary departure of non-emergency US government employees and their family members at the US Consulate in Hong Kong authorized by
@StateDept
. #coronavirushttps://twitter.com/W7VOA/status/122...648617472?s=20

[penguinsix]

Steve Herman

@W7VOA
Voluntary departure of non-emergency US government employees and their family members at the US Consulate in Hong Kong authorized by
@StateDept
. #coronavirushttps://twitter.com/W7VOA/status/122...648617472?s=20

More here:

https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1508012-20200211.htm

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021100773.htm



CHP investigates seven 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 11), the CHP is investigating seven additional cases of novel coronavirus infection, taking to 49 the number of confirmed cases so far in Hong Kong.

The first case involves a 59-year-old man with underlying illness who lives in Block 3, Island Resort, Siu Sai Wan. He developed fever, cough and shortness of breath since February 2. He consulted a private doctor on February 6 and sought medical attention at St Paul’s Hospital’s Outpatient Department on February 9. He sought treatment at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) yesterday (February 10) and was admitted for isolation and management on the same day. 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. His close contacts, namely his wife, daughter and domestic helper are asymptomatic and quarantine will be arranged.

The second case involves a 60-year-old woman who is the colleague of the 68-year-old male patient of the 30th case confirmed on February 9. The patient has good past health and lives in Tung Ping House, Lei Tung Estate, Ap Lei Chau. She developed cough since February 1 and consulted a private doctor on February 2. She sought treatment at Ruttonjee Hospital on February 10 where she was admitted for isolation and management. Her respiratory sample was tested positive for novel coronavirus. She is in stable condition. According to the 60-year-old female patient's information, she had no travel history during the incubation period. Her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter who lived with her are asymptomatic and quarantine will be arranged.

The third case involves a 71-year-old man with underlying illness who lives in Po Yan House, Po Lam Estate, Tseung Kwan O. He developed fever, cough and shortness of breath since February 5. The patient sought treatment at Tseung Kwan O Hospital on February 10 where he was admitted for isolation and management and was then transferred to United Christian Hospital on the same day. His respiratory sample was tested positive for novel coronavirus. He is in stable condition. According to the patient's information, he had no travel history during the incubation period. His wife who lived with him is asymptomatic and quarantine will be arranged.

The fifth case involves a 66-year-old man with underlying illnesses who lives in Leung Tin Tsuen, Tuen Mun. He developed sore throat since January 31, chills and cough since February 4 and fever since February 7. He consulted two private doctors between February 1 and 10. The patient sought treatment at Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) on February 10 where he was admitted for isolation and management. His respiratory sample was tested positive for novel coronavirus. He is in stable condition. He had no travel history during the incubation period. His wife and mother who lived with him are asymptomatic and quarantine will be arranged.

The other three additional cases are related to the confirmed case (the 42th case, 62-year-old female patient) in Hong Mei House, Cheung Hong Estate announced yesterday. The patients involved the 37-year-old son and 37-year-old daughter-in-law of the 62-year-old female patient, as well as the father of her daughter-in-law who is aged 75.

The 37-year-old male patient developed fever and cough since January 30 and consulted a private doctor on the same day. He consulted another private doctor on February 3 and 5. The 37-year-old female patient developed fever, cough and sore throat since February 2 and consulted a private doctor on the next day. The couple have good past health and reside with the 62-year-old female patient. They were sent to Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) yesterday for isolation and management. Their respiratory samples were tested positive for novel coronavirus. They are in stable condition. They had no travel history during the incubation period.

The 75-year-old patient lives in Tin Chak House, Tin Wan Estate, Aberdeen. He developed fever and cough since February 3 and consulted private doctors on February 3, 7 and 10 respectively. He sought medical attention at Queen Mary Hospital yesterday. His respiratory sample was tested positive for novel coronavirus and is in a stable condition. The patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His wife, his son and two daughters who lived with him 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 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 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 10 672 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 11, 2020
Issued at HKT 23:58

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021100768.htm

Latest progress in follow up on novel coronavirus infection in Hong Mei House, Cheung Hong Estate
************************************************** *****************************


The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (February 11) continuing to proactively follow up on the cases of novel coronavirus infection in Hong Mei House, Cheung Hong Estate in Tsing Yi. Questionnaires with the households at the A07 units of Hong Mei House had completed. Apart from the close contacts of the resident involved in the case confirmed yesterday (February 10), so far no additional case has been recorded from other households.

Personnel from the CHP have successfully traced all 34 households of all the A07 units of Hong Mei House. Active case finding was conducted to identify if there are undiagnosed cases. Five residents who were symptomatic were sent to hospitals for isolation and treatment. All of the respiratory samples tested negative for novel coronavirus.

Among the 34 households, two are from the confirmed cases, about 100 residents from 30 households are being arranged to be transferred to quarantine centres while the remaining two households currently do not reside in their units due to individual reasons.

The CHP is continuing epidemiological investigations into the cases of novel coronavirus infection in Hong Mei House. Together with the Environment Bureau, and departments including Housing Department (HD), the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and the Architectural Services Department, the CHP is investigating and examine if environmental factors were involved in the infection of the cases.

According to the HD's information, the HD's Maintenance Surveyor and technical inspection team has conducted a detailed inspection at the unit A07 of Hong Mei House where the 62-year-old female patient resides. The vent pipe at the toilet which was altered without permission has been sealed up. The inspection team will inspect other 07 units in the building. If unauthorised alteration of vent pipes in the toilets are detected, immediate and proper follow up actions will be taken.

As the investigations by relevant departments are ongoing, the CHP advised that, as a precautionary measure, the residents of Cheung Hong Estate at this stage should not open the window or turn on the ventilator when using the toilet.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the HD will conduct thorough cleaning and disinfection for the building. The DH today organised a health talk for residents of Cheung Hong Estate to give health advice on the prevention of pneumonia and respiratory tract infection to residents.

A spokesman for the CHP said, "The public is strongly urged 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."

For other health advice and information, please visit the CHP's dedicated webpage (www.gov.hk/ncv) on novel coronavirus infection.

The CHP has set up a hotline (2125 1122), which operates from 8am to midnight daily, for public enquiries.



Ends/Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Issued at HKT 23:56

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021200697.htm

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


The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

As at noon today (February 12), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 59 patients (32 male and 27 female, aged 20 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. One patient was discharged today while 135 patients are still 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/Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Issued at HKT 18:12

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021200705.htm

CHP investigates additional case of novel coronavirus infection
**************************************************


The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 8pm today (February 12), the CHP is investigating one additional case of novel coronavirus infection, taking to 50 the number of confirmed cases so far in Hong Kong. Of them, one patient was discharged from hospital after treatment today.

The new case involves a 51-year-old man who is the colleague of the 55-year-old female patient of the 37th case confirmed on February 10. The patient has good past health and lives in On Tao House, Cheung On Estate, Tsing Yi. He developed fever since February 3 and consulted a private doctor on February 4. The patient sought medical attention at Kwong Wah Hospital on February 10, admitted for isolation and management on the same day, and was transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital today. His respiratory sample was tested positive for novel coronavirus and he is now in a stable condition. The patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His close contact, namely his younger sister, has developed symptoms and will be transferred to hospital for isolation and treatment.

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 Health Bureau of Macao.

Besides, the CHP received notification from the Singapore Ministry of Health of a confirmed case in Singapore. The patient worked as a private hire car driver and reported onset of symptoms on January 30. On February 2, the patient drove a Singapore citizen who then travelled to Hong Kong by air on the same day. The CHP has contacted the passenger and would put him under quarantine.

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 11 788 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/Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Issued at HKT 21:28

[sharon sanders]

Since 31 December 2019 (as of 12 February 2020, 12:00 noon), the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has received reports of a total of 1384 cases fulfilling the reporting criteria of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with a Novel Infectious Agent, including 50 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus and 1164 cases which were ruled out as novel coronavirus infection. The remaining 170 cases were still hospitalised for investigation. Among the 50 confirmed cases, 48 remained hospitalised, one was discharged (Case no. 18) while the remaining case was a fatal case (Case no. 13). 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
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 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 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
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
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
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 Local case with unknown source
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

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

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021200770.htm

Government enhances surveillance of people under compulsory quarantine
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Since February 8, 2020, the Department of Health (DH) has been issuing compulsory quarantine orders to all people entering Hong Kong from the Mainland and all people who have been to the Mainland in the past 14 days preceding arrival at Hong Kong. People concerned are required to stay at home or other dwelling place for a 14-day quarantine. They have not developed any symptoms and passed temperature checks upon entry. Those with symptoms will be referred to the DH for further handling.

After reviewing the actual operation, the Government will enhance the surveillance of compulsory quarantine. Apart from those being transferred to the Tso Kung Tam Outdoor Recreation Centre, if the persons under compulsory quarantine fail to share their real-time locations with their mobile phones at the boundary control points, we will immediately request them to wear electronic wristbands with a view to monitoring whether they are staying at the dwelling places.

Moreover, the DH will continue to make telephone calls to the persons under quarantine while the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) will request the persons concerned to share their real-time locations everyday as well as make surprise video calls to make sure that they are staying at the dwelling places.

If the Government cannot contact the persons under quarantine successfully, the Government will consider issuing wanted warrants against them. For the two persons under quarantine on Police's wanted list earlier, the Police have already contacted them and taken statement. The Government will consider the further actions.

The Government has also further strengthened manpower to assist the DH and the OGCIO in implementing the aforesaid compulsory quarantine measures and the surveillance work.

The Government has to reiterate the importance of self-discipline by people under quarantine. They must strictly comply with the quarantine orders. Any person concerned who leave accommodation without permission may commit a criminal offence, and subject to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for six months and a fine of $25,000 upon conviction.




Ends/Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Issued at HKT 23:05

[NawtyBits]

https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3050359/coronavirus-hong-kong-government-extend-school-closures?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_content=article&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1581560191

Coronavirus: Hong Kong government to extend school closures, and keep civil servants at home for another week, sources say

The government is expected to extend the temporary closure of schools beyond March 2, and extend work-from-home arrangements for civil servants in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

A source told the Post that Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung Yun-**** would announce the move to keep kindergarten, primary and secondary schools closed on Thursday morning.

Two sources familiar with the government’s position said the administration was also likely to keep civil servants at home for at least another week, meaning most of the government’s 176,000 staff would be out of the office until February 23, at the earliest.

[snip]

Similar advice is likely to be adopted in the private sector, where many workers have already been told to stay at home.

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021300574.htm

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


The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

As at noon today (February 13), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 52 patients (30 male and 22 female, aged 10 months to 91) 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 126 patients under isolation currently.

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/Thursday, February 13, 2020
Issued at HKT 18:20

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021300700.htm

CHP investigates three 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 13), the CHP is investigating three additional case of novel coronavirus infection, taking to 53 the number of confirmed cases so far in Hong Kong.

One case involves a 43-year-old man (the 51st case) who is a relative of the 66-year-old male patient of the 47th case confirmed on February 11. The patient has good past health and lives in Tsz Tin Tsuen, Tuen Mun. He developed cough since January 29, and diarrheoa and vomiting since Janaury 31. He consulted two private doctors during January 31 to February 8. The patient sought medical attention at Tuen Mun Hospital on February 12 and was admitted for management. His respiratory sample was tested positive for novel coronavirus and he is now in a stable condition. The patient had no travel history during the incubation period. He had attended a family banquet on January 30 where the patient of the 47th case was also present.

The other two cases involve a 67-year-old woman (the 52nd case) and her 37-year-old son (the 53rd case). They both had dinner with the patients of three confirmed cases (the 46th, 48th and 49th case) at Star Seafood Restaurant in North Point on January 26 evening.

The 67-year-old female patient, who is the younger sister-in-law of the 75-year-old male patient of the 46th case, has good past health. She lives at Mount Parker Lodge in Quarry Bay on weekdays and stays with her son at Heung Hoi Mansion on 28-32 O’Brien Road in Wan Chai on weekends. She developed cough on January 31 and then fever and chills since February 1. She consulted private doctors on January 31, February 3 and 7. She then sought treatment from Ruttonjee Hospital on February 12 where she was admitted for treatment. Her respiratory sample was tested positive for novel coronavirus and she is now in a stable condition. The patient had no travel history during the incubation period. Her close contacts, namely her daughter, son-in-law, grandson, granddaughter and domestic helper, are all asymptomatic and will be arranged for quarantine.

The 37-year-old male patient, with good past health, lives at Heung Hoi Mansion. He developed fever on February 8 and consulted a private doctor on February 9. He sought treatment from Ruttonjee Hospital on February 12 and was admitted for treatment. His respiratory sample was tested positive for novel coronavirus and he is now in a stable condition. The patient had no travel history during the incubation period.

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 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 12 655 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/Thursday, February 13, 2020
Issued at HKT 21:35

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021300795.htm
Government's response
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In response to media enquiries, a Government spokesman gave the following reply today (February 13):

We understand today that a staff member working in the Central Government Offices (CGO) was admitted to a hospital under the Hospital Authority (HA) and had undergone tests on novel coronavirus under the "Enhanced Laboratory Surveillance" scheme implemented by HA.

The test results have been confirmed to be negative for the above suspected case. This is hence not an infected case.

As the hospitalised staff has been working in CGO, we have in the first instance arranged to step up cleaning and disinfection for the relevant parts of the CGO premises in accordance with the guidelines and advice from the Centre for Health Protection (CHP).

We will continue to follow CHP's guidelines and take appropriate precautionary measures in CGO with a view to minimising the risk of contracting and spreading the novel coronavirus.



Ends/Thursday, February 13, 2020
Issued at HKT 23:13