Source:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202008/06/P2020080600056.htm
Government explains COVID-19 testing arrangements for target groups
************************************************** *******
In response to press enquiries on the Government's COVID-19 testing arrangements for target groups, a Government spokesman said the following on August 5:
Since early July, the third wave of the epidemic situation of COVID-19 in Hong Kong has remained severe. The number of confirmed cases has increased sharply and there are numerous local cases of unknown infection source. The risk of large-scale community outbreaks poses a serious health threat to the society and members of the public.
In this connection and with a view to targeting clusters of infection in various premises and sectors in the community, relevant Government departments have made use of the Anti-epidemic Fund (AEF) since mid-July to help groups with higher-risks to undergo voluntary and one-off virus tests. Currently, the schemes cover staff members of residential care homes for the elderly, residential care homes for persons with disabilities and nursing homes, staff of boarding section of special schools, taxi and public light bus drivers, restaurant staff, market tenants and workers, as well as frontline staff of the property management sector. The estimated number of individuals involved is around 500 000.
As of August 4, the three private testing service providers that provide testing services for the Government (i.e. Sunrise Diagnostic Centre (SDC) established by BGI, China Inspection Company Limited's subsidiary China Dragon Inspection and Certification (Hong Kong) Limited (CDIC) and Prenetics) had carried out more than 90 000 tests for the aforementioned groups and 31 preliminary positive samples were found.
In view of the large number of people in the higher-risk groups and that the public testing system would not be able to provide the required testing volume within a short period of time, there was a need for the Government to resort to the private testing services. Before the launch of the schemes, the Government had contacted various local major private testing service providers and found that only SDC, CDIC and Prenetics would be able to provide testing services at a massive scale up to tens of thousands within a relatively short period of time.
As there was an urgent need to roll out large-scale testing as soon as possible to safeguard public health, after considering whether the suitability of the testing service models for the actual operation of the relevant sectors provided by the relevant laboratories, the Government decided to procure testing services from the three providers by direct procurement with funding from the AEF. With the worsening epidemic situation, a service provider decided to partner with another private laboratory with a view to launching its testing service early so as to meet the service volume required by the Government in advance.
Such services provide a one-stop solution to cover procedures from specimen-taking to testing. The testing arrangements for different sectors vary. For instance, on-site specimen collection is more suitable for staff of residential homes, and the relevant logistics costs will be higher. Hence, the testing costs would vary across services for different sectors. The Government will examine the relevant testing costs so as to ensure that procurement price is reasonable, and will announce the details of use of funding in accordance with the requirements of the AEF later. Depending on whether door-to-door sample collection is required and the logistic work involved, the charge for each test starts from about $300. In view of the unstable epidemic situation, the Government will need to procure more private testing services. As the Government is still in discussion with different service providers, it is inappropriate to make public the fee details of individual service providers at this stage to avoid affecting further discussion and procurement.
Statutory requirements of medical laboratories and relevant professionals as well as quality of COVID-19 tests
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All local laboratories, including the private laboratories providing COVID-19 tests for the Government, must abide by the relevant local legislation, especially the statutory requirements for medical laboratories and the related professionals. In addition, all participating private laboratories must subscribe to and pass the External Quality Assessment Programme of the Department of Health (DH) to ensure they meet the required technical standards before commencing the testing service. All laboratories used by the service providers which provide testing services for the Government must meet the above requirements ahead of commencement of testing. DH has also provided safety guidelines on transporting clinical samples and contagious matters to the laboratories, which provide testing services to the higher-risk groups for the Government, for their reference.
Importing Mainland technical staff by laboratories and compulsory quarantine exemption arrangement
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As there is a lack of local testing staff with suitable training and experience in COVID-19 tests, individual private testing service providers have applied to introduce suitable technical staff from the Mainland for supporting their work in COVID-19 testing. As mentioned above, the relevant private laboratories must abide by the relevant local legislation, including the statutory requirements for medical laboratories and the related professions. Any imported staff must meet the registration or exemption requirements under the applicable legislation if they want to provide service in the relevant professional capacity of medical laboratory technologists (MLTs). However, other technical staff members who provide operational support in the medical laboratories are not so required if they do not work as MLTs as statutorily regulated. The medical laboratories and relevant professionals must abide by the professional code of conduct and ensure the laboratory operation is in compliance with the requirements under the code.
Under section 4(1) of the Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation (Cap. 599C), the Chief Secretary for Administration may designate any person or category of persons fulfilling certain criteria for exemption of compulsory quarantine. Personnel of the companies or organisations for the supply of COVID-19 testing services in Hong Kong is one of such categories. As of August 4, a total of 215 persons had been exempted under this category. During their stay in Hong Kong, these persons are put under medical surveillance. They have to wear a surgical mask and take body temperature daily. If they feel unwell, they have to report to DH. The seven advance members of the Mainland nucleic acid testing support team who arrived at Hong Kong on August 2 had obtained negative result from a nucleic acid test done within 72 hours prior to arrival.
Handling of personal data
----------------------------
Any collection and use of personal data for carrying out voluntary COVID-19 tests must meet the requirements under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486). Government departments or testing service providers may provide the data to DH or other relevant departments for anti-epidemic needs as necessary. The workflow does not involve the provision of any personal data to organisations or persons outside Hong Kong. The Government has also taken measures to minimise the personal data that need to be collected and streamline the work that need to come into contact with such data.
Ends/Thursday, August 6, 2020
Issued at HKT 2:36
********************************************************************************
Source:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202008/06/P2020080600583.htm
HAD extends scope of COVID-19 Community Testing Scheme
*************************************************
The Home Affairs Department (HAD), together with charities and a social service organisation, will extend the scope of the COVID-19 Community Testing Scheme from tomorrow (August 7), with a view to identifying patients early and achieving the Government's strategy of "early identification, early isolation and early treatment of the infected".
The HAD and the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs) have launched the COVID-19 Community Testing Scheme in Tsz Wan Shan (Tsz Wan Shan Testing Scheme) last month. Starting from tomorrow, the COVID-19 free testing scheme will be successively extended to cover Tsz Oi Court in Wong Tai Sin District; Choi Fook Estate, Ping Shek Estate, Kai Yip Estate and Choi Ha Estate in Kwun Tong District; Shan King Estate and Butterfly Estate in Tuen Mun District; as well as Chong Tak Building and Chung Yuen Building in Yau Tsim Mong District, involving a total of 46 buildings and about 86 000 residents.
A spokesperson for the HAD said, "In view of the severity of the epidemic, the HAD will extend the scope of the testing scheme and conduct COVID-19 tests for households of some private residential buildings with confirmed cases as well as households of buildings in public housing estates. We hope to help the Centre for Health Protection identify the invisible transmission chain at an early stage. The HAD will co-operate with the TWGHs, Yan Oi Tong and Mong Kok Kai Fong Association Limited Chan Hing Social Service Centre to launch the scheme in the four districts successively starting from tomorrow."
Members of the HAD and the TWGHs will first distribute throat-swab sampling kits and registration forms at Oi Yin House, Oi Ning House, Oi Yan House, Oi Wai House and Oi Kan House of Tsz Oi Court in Wong Tai Sin District tomorrow, and plan to collect the samples on the following day (August 8) for testing. The department will then work with the three charities and the social service organisation respectively to distribute in the four areas specimen bottles and registration forms to the residents. After the collection of registration forms and specimen bottles from the residents, the charities and the social service organisation will pass the specimens to the testing agency, Sunrise Diagnostic Centre Limited, for testing.
As a number of buildings are involved, the scheme has to be carried out in phases in an orderly manner. The management offices of relevant estates or buildings will duly inform the residents of the testing scheme schedule. Priority for testing will be accorded to residents of buildings with confirmed cases. Residents of other buildings in the estate should wait for the collection of specimen bottles and registration forms until testing is arranged for the building they reside in.
The distribution of specimen bottles and the collection of samples for the Tsz Wan Shan Testing Scheme were finished on August 4 and August 5 respectively. The scheme covered 22 buildings in Tsz Ching Estate, Tsz Lok Estate, Tsz Man Estate and Tsz Hong Estate in Tsz Wan Shan; as well as Choi Fai Estate in Ngau Chi Wan. With the active participation and co-operation of the residents, about 34 000 specimen bottles have been distributed and more than 29 000 specimens have been collected for testing. Around 85 per cent of residents returned the specimen bottles on time and nearly 80 per cent of household members of the buildings participated in this scheme.
The testing agency has completed testing on a majority of the specimens returned. Samples that tested positive have been sent to the Public Health Laboratory Centre of the Department of Health for review. So far, 14 cases were determined to have a positive test result.
The HAD expresses gratitude to Lok Sin Tong and the TWGHs for their assistance in distributing food packs to elderly in need living in Kowloon East. As of August 4, the HAD has provided food packs to over 18 000 elderly singletons and doubleton households.
Ends/Thursday, August 6, 2020
Issued at HKT 16:15
*****************************************************************************
Source:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202008/06/P2020080600505.htm
Tuen Mun Hospital announces passing away of COVID-19 patient
************************************************** **
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) announced today (August 6) that an 85-year-old male patient confirmed with COVID-19 (case number: 2842) passed away today.
The patient with chronic disease was admitted to Pok Oi Hospital on July 26 due to fever and transferred to TMH on July 28. His condition continued to deteriorate and he eventually succumbed at 1.26pm today.
The Hospital was saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to his family.
Including the above case, 44 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.
Ends/Thursday, August 6, 2020
Issued at HKT 17:10
****************************************************************************************
Source:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202008/06/P2020080600561.htm
Security guard employed by Housing Department contractor tests positive for COVID-19
************************************************** *********************
The Housing Department today (August 6) learned that a security guard employed by its contractor tested positive for COVID-19. The security guard concerned worked at Shui Fung House, Tin Shui Estate. He is now in hospital for treatment.
The security guard normally works on the night shift and stays at the guard counter of Shui Fung House. He last performed duties on August 3. He was identified as a close contact person after his wife tested positive for COVID-19 on August 4. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) notified him yesterday (August 5) that he had tested positive for COVID-19.
The security guard has no recent travel history. He has been wearing a face mask and has been observing relevant disease prevention measures at work. When performing duties, he has been undergoing temperature checks and his body temperature was normal.
The common areas of Shui Fung House and the Estate Management Office (EMO) of Tin Shui Estate have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected in accordance with the guidelines of the CHP. Due to the special work arrangements for government departments, the EMO was closed today.
The Housing Department will continue to keep close liaison with the CHP and co-operate with its quarantine work.
Ends/Thursday, August 6, 2020
Issued at HKT 17:25
*********************************************************************************
Source:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202008/06/P2020080600527.htm
LCSD workman preliminarily tests positive for COVID-19
*********************************************
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (August 6) said that a workman has preliminarily tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The workman concerned worked at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens in Central and Western District. She last performed her duties on August 4. She felt unwell earlier and sought medical advice. She was notified today that she had preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19.
The staff member concerned has no recent travel history. She wore surgical masks when performing her duties. Her body temperature was normal when undergoing temperature screening during work.
The LCSD will arrange thorough cleaning and sterilisation at the work areas concerned and all related public facilities according to guidelines provided by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP).
The LCSD is highly concerned about the COVID-19 epidemic and will continue to maintain close liaison with the CHP. Staff are reminded to pay attention to personal hygiene and to stay vigilant. They should seek medical advice immediately if feeling unwell.
Ends/Thursday, August 6, 2020
Issued at HKT 17:47
*********************************************************************************
Source:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202008/06/P2020080600564.htm
Public hospitals daily update on COVID-19 cases
***************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
As at 9am today (August 6), 144 COVID-19 confirmed patients were discharged from hospital. So far a total of 2 458 patients with confirmed or probable infection have been discharged.
At present, there are 668 negative pressure rooms in public hospitals with 1 222 negative pressure beds activated. A total of 1 204 confirmed patients are currently hospitalised in 18 public hospitals and a community isolation facility, among which 39 patients are in critical condition, 57 are in serious condition and the remaining 1 108 patients are in stable condition.
The preliminarily positive result of a deceased patient announced by the Hospital Authority (HA) earlier was confirmed today (case number: 3771). Including this case, a total of 45 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.
The HA will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.
Details of the above-mentioned patients are as follows:
[TABLE="border: 1"]
[TR]
[TD]Patient condition[/TD]
[TD]Case numbers[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Discharged[/TD]
[TD]1333, 1334, 1364, 1372, 1393, 1433, 1453, 1481, 1519, 1542, 1566, 1617, 1653, 1666, 1667, 1686, 1720, 1722, 1735, 1774, 1802, 1807, 1815, 1823, 1880, 1892, 1893, 1895, 1909, 1929, 1946, 1961, 1990, 1999, 2029, 2038, 2039, 2072, 2076, 2077, 2104, 2105, 2112, 2124, 2147, 2186, 2187, 2196, 2203, 2216, 2228, 2234, 2242, 2248, 2262, 2281, 2289, 2299, 2335, 2338, 2400, 2415, 2432, 2437, 2438, 2492, 2498, 2509, 2541, 2544, 2557, 2600, 2642, 2649, 2673, 2678, 2684, 2685, 2718, 2721, 2765, 2777, 2782, 2791, 2812, 2814, 2815, 2827, 2835, 2849, 2853, 2859, 2860, 2869, 2875, 2878, 2899, 2905, 2910, 2923, 2934, 2939, 2949, 2953, 2956, 2969, 2994, 3010, 3012, 3014, 3036, 3044, 3054, 3060, 3080, 3088, 3095, 3102, 3103, 3108, 3121, 3149, 3150, 3160, 3179, 3191, 3209, 3224, 3237, 3250, 3298, 3331, 3334, 3346, 3363, 3364, 3395, 3404, 3431, 3449, 3485, 3550, 3634, 3575[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Critical[/TD]
[TD]1401, 1470, 1602, 1650, 1718, 1779, 1835, 1940, 1989, 2007, 2048, 2086, 2172, 2269, 2282, 2396, 2408, 2479, 2577, 2792, 2839, 2914, 2951, 2955, 2962, 2966, 2988, 3274, 3284, 3285, 3307, 3366, 3367, 3372, 3434, 3539, 3553, 3635, 3714[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Serious[/TD]
[TD]1573, 1795, 1843, 1956, 1968, 1998, 2033, 2078, 2079, 2133, 2143, 2148, 2288, 2315, 2316, 2334, 2358, 2362, 2404, 2405, 2412, 2422, 2560, 2576, 2591, 2595, 2671, 2701, 2702, 2720, 2745, 2746, 2748, 2789, 2793, 2811, 2894, 2912, 2940, 2941, 2968, 2989, 3005, 3025, 3090, 3096, 3105, 3193, 3194, 3317, 3411, 3461, 3473, 3486, 3617, 3641, 3681[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Ends/Thursday, August 6, 2020
Issued at HKT 18:46
***********************************************************************************
Source:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202008/06/P2020080600739.htm
Caritas Medical Centre announces passing away of COVID-19 patient
************************************************** *****
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for the Caritas Medical Centre (CMC) announced today (August 6) that a patient confirmed with COVID-19 passed away.
The 87-year-old male patient (case number: 3553) in CMC with chronic disease was admitted on July 23 due to shortness of breath and heart failure. His condition continued to deteriorate and eventually succumbed at 8.13pm today.
The Hospital was saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to his family.
Including the above case, 46 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.
Ends/Thursday, August 6, 2020
Issued at HKT 22:38
**************************************************************************************
Source:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202008/06/P2020080600769.htm
Members of the public to pay attention to Macao's adjustment of prevention and control measures for persons travelling to Macao from Hong Kong
************************************************** *******************************
Regarding the announcement made by the Macao Special Administrative Region (Macao SAR) Government today (August 6) concerning the COVID-19 nucleic acid test requirement for persons entering Macao from Hong Kong which will come into effect tomorrow (August 7), the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) urged members of the public to ensure that they can meet the requirement when travelling to Macao to avoid hiccups when crossing the border.
The Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre of Macao announced that, starting from 6am on August 7, all persons entering Macao would be required to present a valid proof of a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test result issued by one of the testing institutions recognised by the HKSAR Government. The negative test result would be valid within 24 hours (e.g. for a nucleic acid test conducted on August 6, the negative result report can be used for entering Macao on August 7). They are also required to undergo the compulsory quarantine of 14 days after entry into Macao. The designated testing institutions recognised by the HKSAR Government has been posted on the "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (
www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/List_of_recognised_laboratories.pdf)
The Government spokesman said, "Before departure to Macao, members of the public must bring along a valid proof of negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test result that can meet the requirement of Macao SAR Government. When they re-enter Hong Kong after being refused of entry in Macao, they will be subjected to compulsory quarantine of 14 days pursuant to the Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation (Cap. 599C). Members of the public should pay extra attention to avoid such a situation."
Apart from Macao, the Guangdong (GD) Provincial Government also announced yesterday that, starting from 10am on August 7, save for persons who received prior approval by GD for performing essential official and business duties and cross-boundary goods vehicle drivers who would continue be subjected to the prevailing policies applicable to them, all other persons who are entering GD via the Shenzhen Bay and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge control points would be required to present a valid proof of a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test result issued by one of the testing institutions recognised by the HKSAR Government. The Government spokesman reminded members of the public to ensure that they would hold a valid proof of a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test result that can meet the requirement of the Government of GD or Macao when travelling to these two places.
The Government called on members of the public again that in view of the severe local epidemic situation, they should avoid going out, keep social distance and avoid dining out. People should maintain stringent hand hygiene and put on a surgical mask when they need to go out. They are also urged to seek medical attention early even if mild symptoms develop to help prevent the spread of the disease in the community.
Ends/Thursday, August 6, 2020
Issued at HKT 22:59
*****************************************************************************
Source:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202008/06/P2020080600797.htm
Driver and worker employed by subcontractor of EPD test positive and preliminarily positive for COVID-19 respectively
************************************************** ***********************************
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said today (August 6), a driver employed by a subcontractor of the South East New Territories (SENT) Landfill Extension site has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), while another worker of the same subcontractor has been notified of preliminary positive test result.
The subcontractor is responsible for the construction of the retaining wall in the site and is not involved in the operation of the SENT landfill, which only receives construction waste. After the driver's test result reported positive for the virus on July 31, the subcontractor had stopped the construction works on the next day (August 1), and arranged all workers to retreat from the site and undergo test for the virus. So far one of the workers, who was believed to have close contact with the driver, had tested preliminarily positive for the virus. All staff, including the driver and the worker, are required to measure body temperature and wear masks before entering the site.
The subcontractor's working area in the site has been thoroughly cleaned and sterilised to ensure environmental hygiene. The department will continue to maintain close liaison with the Centre for Health Protection. Staff have been reminded to pay attention to personal hygiene and protective equipment, and to stay vigilant. They should seek medical advice as soon as possible if feeling unwell.
Ends/Thursday, August 6, 2020
Issued at HKT 23:46
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Source:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202008/06/P2020080600781.htm
Government implements a series of measures to reduce the health risks faced by foreign domestic helpers staying in boarding facilities of employment agencies
************************************************** ***********************************
The Government announced today (August 6) that a series of measures will be implemented promptly to reduce the health risks faced by foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) staying in boarding facilities of employment agencies (EAs) and reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in the community.
Free COVID-19 testing and distribution of masks
A Government spokesman said, "As the epidemic in Hong Kong has remained severe, to strengthen anti-epidemic efforts, the Government has decided to arrange virus testing for different high risk groups to safeguard public health. The Government will expand the testing scope to cover FDHs staying in boarding facilities of EAs. A free, one-off COVID-19 testing service provided by a testing agency (Prenetics Limited) will be arranged for relevant FDHs."
The testing agency will provide one-stop service covering specimen collection and testing. It will shortly deploy staff to licensed EAs providing FDH placement services to deliver specimen bottles for collecting deep throat saliva samples from FDHs staying in the EAs' boarding facilities. The specimens will then be collected by the testing agency after one to two days for testing. Cases with positive results will be relayed to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health for follow-up. The testing agency will work closely with the Labour Department (LD) and determine the testing priority based on the number of persons staying in an EA boarding facility, manpower resources available, etc.
In addition, to strengthen protection of the relevant FDHs, the Government will, from August 8 to 10, 2020, distribute masks to FDHs staying in EAs' boarding facilities via licensed EAs providing FDH placement services. Also, to shorten the time that FDHs will need to stay in EAs' boarding facilities, the Immigration Department will process applications for changing employers in Hong Kong from FDHs whose employment contracts have expired as soon as possible.
Regulation of employment agencies
During the COVID-19 epidemic, LD has approached EA associations a number of times to remind the industry that they cannot arrange FDHs arriving in Hong Kong to undergo compulsory quarantine in EAs' boarding facilities; and that EAs should avoid arranging FDHs to stay in crowded environments, be alert and remind FDHs to pay attention to personal hygiene and maintain social distance. EAs can make reference to CHP's "Guidelines on Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for the General Public" (
www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/nid_guideline_general_public_en.pdf) and "A Guide to Personal, Home and Environmental Hygiene" (
www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/a_guide_to_personal_home_and_environmental_hygiene _keep_clean_be_healthy_booklet.pdf).
Pursuant to the Code of Practice for Employment Agencies (CoP) promulgated by the Commissioner for Labour (the Commissioner), should an EA conduct any other activities (e.g. holding training classes or providing temporary accommodation) or non-EA related business at an EA's licensed address or other premises, the EA must comply with the relevant laws at all times. EAs in breach of the CoP may have their licences revoked or refused renewal by the Commissioner.
Publicity and education
On July 18, 2020, the Government gazetted the specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H) to impose conditions based on public health grounds in order to further reduce the number of imported cases of COVID-19. A traveller who, on the day on which the traveller boarded a civil aviation aircraft that arrives at, or is about to arrive at Hong Kong, or during the 14 days before that day, has stayed in any specified place (i.e. Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines and South Africa), he/she must meet the conditions specified by the Secretary for Food and Health. Since the relevant specifications came into effect at 0.00am on July 25, 2020, the number of FDHs coming from the specified places has dropped markedly.
The Government will continue to conduct publicity to FDHs and appeal to them to avoid non-essential gatherings, stay at home for rest as far as possible, and maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene at all times to safeguard their personal health and public hygiene. In particular, LD, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Police will conduct mobile broadcasts in Chinese, English and major FDH languages (including Tagalog, Bahasa Indonesia and Thai) on August 8 and 9, 2020 at popular gathering places of FDHs to call upon FDHs to comply with the regulations on the prohibition of group gatherings and mask-wearing requirement in public places; conduct publicity to FDHs during the broadcasts; and distribute leaflets printed in FDH languages to appeal to them to maintain environmental hygiene, refrain from conducting unlicensed hawking activities, including cooked food or other hawking activities. Also, the Police will increase manpower to step up patrols at those places.
The Government spokesman said, "The Government announced on August 3, 2020 (
www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202008/03/P2020080300770.htm) that it had gazetted directions and specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G) and the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I) to extend the social distancing measures already in place, including prohibition on group gatherings of more than two persons in public places and requiring a person to wear a mask at all times when the person is boarding or onboard a public transport carrier, is entering or present in an MTR paid area, or is entering or present in a public place (indoor or outdoor). Offenders are liable to prosecution. The Government reminds employers and FDHs to observe and comply with the relevant requirements and restrictions. As of August 2, 2020, a total of 12 FDHs had been fined a fixed penalty of $2,000 for being in breach of the direction on prohibition of group gatherings in public places."
The spokesman continued, "When discussing rest day arrangements with their FDHs, employers should explain the current special circumstances and express mutual understanding in fighting the virus. Employers may encourage their FDHs to stay at home for rest, or take their rest day on weekdays instead of at the weekend. If FDHs choose to go out on their rest day, they should wear a mask, keep a distance of at least one metre from others where possible, avoid gathering and going to crowded places, and keep their hands clean at all times."
"Also, LD reminds employers that under the Employment Ordinance, if an employer requests an FDH to work on a rest day, the employer must substitute another rest day for the FDH within 30 days after the original rest day; the employer must also notify the FDH of the arrangement within 48 hours after he/she is required to work. Besides, an employer may substitute another rest day with the consent of the FDH, in which case it must be within the same month before the original rest day or within 30 days after it. An employer who compels his/her FDH to work on a rest day without the agreement of the FDH or fails to grant rest days to the FDH is in breach of the Employment Ordinance and is liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, to a maximum fine of $50,000."
For any update and health information on COVID-19, please visit the Government's "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (
www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng). Information in Chinese, English, Tagalog, Bahasa Indonesia, Thai, Hindi, Sinhala, Bengali, Nepali and Urdu is available.
Ends/Thursday, August 6, 2020
Issued at HKT 23:35
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Source:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202008/06/P2020080600684.htm
CHP investigates 95 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19
************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) has announced that as of 0.00am, August 6, the CHP was investigating 95 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 3 850 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 3 849 confirmed cases and one probable case).
Among the newly reported cases announced, four had travel history during the incubation period.
The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. For case details and contact tracing information, please see the Annex or the list of buildings with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and the latest local situation of COVID-19 available on the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (
www.coronavirus.gov.hk).
In view of the severe epidemic situation, the CHP called on members of the public to avoid going out, having social contact and dining out. They should put on a surgical mask and maintain stringent hand hygiene when they need to go out. As a number of recent cases involve elderly people, the CHP strongly urged the elderly to stay home as far as possible and avoid going out. They should consider asking their family and friends to help with every day tasks such as shopping for basic necessities.
A spokesman for the CHP said, "Given that the situation of COVID-19 infection remains severe and that there is a continuous increase in the number of cases reported around the world, members of the public are strongly urged to avoid all non-essential travel outside Hong Kong.
"The CHP also strongly urges 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. On a 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.
"As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly, regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps) and cover all floor drain outlets when they are not in use. After using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs."
Moreover, the Government has launched the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (
www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for announcing the latest updates on various news on COVID-19 infection and health advice to help the public understand the latest updates. Members of the public may also gain access to information via the COVID-19 WhatsApp Helpline launched by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer. Simply by saving 9617 1823 in their phone contacts or clicking the link
wa.me/85296171823?text=hi, they will be able to obtain information on COVID-19 as well as the "StayHomeSafe" mobile app and wristband via WhatsApp...
...Ends/Thursday, August 6, 2020
Issued at HKT 23:20
