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

Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/29/P2020012900006.htm

HKSAR Government announces enhanced measures for disease prevention and control
*********************************************************************


Following the escalation of the response level to Emergency under the Preparedness and Response Plan for Novel Infectious Disease of Public Health Significance on January 25, the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, has convened the Steering Committee cum Command Centre for three consecutive days since January 26 to tackle the situation in relation to novel coronavirus infection. Taking into account the development speed and severity of the situation, the Steering Committee cum Command Centre decided at its meeting yesterday (January 28) to further implement seven disease prevention and control measures. The measures include reducing the flow of people between the Mainland and Hong Kong as well as contacts among members of the public, with a view to lowering the chance of the disease being imported into Hong Kong and spreading in the community.

(1) Significantly reducing the flow of people between the Mainland and Hong Kong

In order to reduce the flow of people between the Mainland and Hong Kong, the Mainland authorities have agreed to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's request to suspend the issuance of endorsements in all 49 cities under the Individual Visit Scheme, including the "one trip per week" endorsement, on top of the earlier suspension of all tour groups to Hong Kong. According to the figures for December last year, visitors under the Individual Visit Scheme accounted for about 50 per cent of all Mainland visitors. This measure will significantly reduce the number of Mainland visitors to Hong Kong.

In addition, the following transport services and border control point services will be reduced or suspended:

(a) On railway services, the services of the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link and the Intercity Through Train will be suspended;
(b) On aviation services, Mainland flights will be cut to about half;
(c) On ferry services, all cross-boundary ferry services to and from the China Ferry Terminal and the Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal will be suspended;
(d) On land-based cross-boundary transport, cross-boundary coach and shuttle bus services (including the short-haul cross-boundary coach service at Huanggang Port, Yellow Bus and Gold Bus) using the Lok Ma Chau Control Point, the Shenzhen Bay Port and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port will reduce the service frequency;
(e) The services of the West Kowloon Station, Hung Hom Station, China Ferry Terminal and Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal control points will be suspended. The passenger services in Sha Tau Kok and Man Kam To will also be suspended, but the services for goods will not be affected.

The above measures will be effective from the early hours of January 30 until further notice.

The above measures will not only reduce the flow of people between the Mainland and Hong Kong, but also allow relevant departments to focus resources on control points which remain in service through redeployment, thereby strengthening the health checks of travellers. In addition, body temperature checks and health declarations for departing travellers have already been implemented in all Mainland ports, including those in Shenzhen. The HKSAR Government will strengthen its joint efforts with the Mainland authorities in disease prevention and control, including putting in place more infrared body temperature checking equipment in border control points in Hong Kong to implement body temperature checks for departing travellers.

(2) Fee charging by the Hospital Authority

The current Hospital Authority fee-charging policy serves a public health strategy, which is to waive the charges for Ineligible Persons (i.e. non-Hong Kong residents) to avoid a situation in which patients suffering from infectious disease evade tests due to their cost and spread the disease in the community. However, as Hong Kong has entered a key stage in its efforts in preventing the disease, in order to not make the fee waiver an incentive for persons infected by novel coronavirus to come to Hong Kong for medical care, the HKSAR Government has requested the Hospital Authority to adjust its fee-charging policy. The Hospital Authority will charge all Ineligible Persons the relevant fees with immediate effect.

(3) Reducing the flow and contacts of people in Hong Kong

The HKSAR Government urges Hong Kong people to return from the Mainland as soon as possible. All persons returning from the Mainland are advised to stay home for 14 days upon their return as far as possible. Those who need to go out should wear a surgical mask for 14 days. Hong Kong residents should refrain from travelling to places with the disease.

The HKSAR Government appeals to employers to make flexible work arrangements for employees in accordance with their operational needs. Except for staff providing emergency and essential public services, all other employees of the Government are not required to return to their offices but to work at home after the holidays. The measure will be implemented tentatively until February 2. The Government will review the situation before then.

(4) Assisting Hong Kong residents in Hubei

As of January 27, the HKSAR Government had received 107 requests for assistance in relation to the novel coronavirus, involving about 200 Hong Kong people in Hubei Province. As public transport services in the relevant places have been suspended completely, the HKSAR Government is now discussing with the Central Authorities on ways to arrange for Hong Kong people stranded in Hubei to return to Hong Kong in a safe and practical manner.

(5) Hubei residents in Hong Kong

Hubei residents have been restricted from entering Hong Kong since January 27. For those Hubei residents who have already entered Hong Kong, they are only allowed to stay in Hong Kong for seven days in general, so it is believed that the number of these people in Hong Kong will gradually decrease. The HKSAR Government is reaching out to hotels through the hotel industry and the Hong Kong Tourism Board to contact travellers from Hubei Province and is also contacting students from Hubei returning to Hong Kong through the tertiary institutions. The Centre for Health Protection will then follow up. The HKSAR Government also appeals to all Hong Kong residents who have been to Hubei Province in the past 14 days to call the Centre's hotline 2125 1122 as soon as possible.

(6) Quarantine centre facilities

To tackle the disease, the HKSAR Government will continue to identify suitable places to serve as quarantine centre facilities and other purposes. It, however, will not consider Fai Ming Estate or other unoccupied public housing estates. If there are not enough quarantine centre facilities and there is a wide spread of the disease in the community, the HKSAR Government may need to impose home isolation for the relevant persons.

(7) Surgical masks and other supplies

Apart from stocking up on adequate protective equipment (e.g. surgical masks) for government departments and the Hospital Authority in accordance with the HKSAR Government's response plan for infectious diseases, the HKSAR Government is concerned about public demand for surgical masks. As the supply is tight, the HKSAR Government is conducting worldwide procurement in order to ensure adequate supplies for tackling the disease. The HKSAR Government will also make available adequate resources for all the disease prevention and control efforts.

In addition to the above-mentioned measures, the HKSAR Government started to impose restrictions on Hubei residents and those who have visited Hubei Province in the past 14 days from entering Hong Kong since January 27. It also announced some adjustments of services subsidised by the Social Welfare Department and the closure of some leisure and cultural facilities. The HKSAR Government appeals to members of the public to pay attention to the announcements of the relevant departments and appreciates their understanding on the possible inconvenience caused.

Mrs Lam expresses her gratitude to all those involved in the prevention and control of the disease for their hard work, in particular the front-line colleagues in the Centre for Health Protection and the Port Health Division of the Department of Health as well as all hospitals and clinics of the Hospital Authority, and also the staff members providing support services in environmental hygiene and those in the Government Laboratory. She once again appeals to the public to work together in disease prevention and control.



Ends/Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Issued at HKT 0:27
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/29/P2020012900038.htm

FEHD clarification
**************


In response to online rumours claiming that the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) provided expired face masks to cleansing workers and has not provided sufficient training to them, FEHD today (January 29) clarified that such rumours are unfounded.

A spokesman for FEHD stressed that the department attaches importance to the safety of cleansing workers (including those of outsourced contractors). Face masks provided by the department and its public cleansing services contractors to their employees must comply with the related health and hygiene standards, and sufficient training should be provided to employees.



Ends/Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Issued at HKT 1:10
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/29/P2020012900604.htm

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


The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

​As at noon today (January 29), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health (DH) the admission of 56 patients (31 male and 25 female, aged 13 months to 88) in the past 24 hours who met the reporting criteria of severe respiratory disease associated with a novel infectious agent. Specimens of the patients concerned have been sent to the DH for testing. Among the 89 patients under isolation, 84 and five patients are in stable condition and serious condition respectively.

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



Ends/Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Issued at HKT 18:25
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0012900804.htm

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


The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (January 29) investigating two additional imported cases of novel coronavirus infection. The public is again urged to maintain strict personal, food and environmental hygiene both locally and during travel.

The two cases involve a couple from Wuhan in Hubei Province, who are a 72-year-old man and a 73-year-old woman. They took the flight KA853 by Cathay Dragon from Wuhan to Hong Kong on January 22. They stayed at W Hong Kong on the same day until yesterday (January 28). Afterwards, they visited The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong and Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong and were subsequently sent by ambulance from Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong to Queen Mary Hospital yesterday where they were admitted for isolation and treatment.

The couple developed fever on January 25 and are in stable condition. Their respiratory samples were tested positive for novel coronavirus.

The CHP has immediately commenced epidemiological investigations and conducted relevant contact tracing. Five hotel staff will be regarded as close contacts and be transferred to Lady MacLehose Holiday Village for quarantine. Medical surveillance will be arranged for other contacts except for one who is symptomatic and admitted to Queen Mary Hospital for isolation and treatment. Investigation is ongoing.

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

There are 10 confirmed imported cases so far. The CHP is continuing its epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing. The CHP is also closely monitoring a number of overseas cases and conducting related contact tracing.

The CHP today verified with the NHC that a confirmed case in Shanghai had close contact with a 47-year-old man residing in Hong Kong. He was earlier admitted to the Prince of Wales Hospital as a suspected case and subsequently tested negative for novel coronavirus. He was regarded as a close contact of the confirmed case in Shanghai and will be transferred to Lady MacLehose Holiday Village for quarantine.

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

The CHP has set up a hotline (2125 1122) for the cases, which operates from 8am to 9pm daily to answer public enquiries. As at 4pm today, a total of 1 261 calls were received.

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

A spokesman for the CHP said, "The CHP will continue to maintain its liaison with the National Health Commission, the World Health Organization and the relevant health authorities, and closely monitor the situation for risk assessment."...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/29/P2020012900803.htm
Government strives to ensure supply of surgical masks
********************************************


Given the severe situation of the novel coronavirus infection, a Government spokesman said today (January 29) that sufficient and stable supply of equipment for health protection is of paramount importance. In view of the keen demand for surgical masks by members of the public and their tight supply owing to the Chinese New Year holidays or other reasons, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is working proactively to increase the overall supply of surgical masks through a multi-pronged approach, striving to maintain a stable supply.

In particular, representatives of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and relevant government departments met members of local chambers of commerce and the retail industry today to learn more about the situation of the supply of surgical masks and problems encountered by importers and retailers, with a view to offering assistance to them and addressing the current tight supply.

The spokesman said that the HKSAR Government is maintaining close contact with the Mainland authorities. Customs departments between the two places are collaborating to follow up on the clearance of surgical masks procured by the Government or the market so as to speed up their delivery to Hong Kong. The Government Logistics Department is also actively sourcing globally. It has contacted more than 140 suppliers from over 10 countries, striving to procure more surgical masks to cope with the epidemic.

The spokesman added that the supply of surgical masks in the market will still be tight in the near future. As advised by experts, people should go out less often during this period of time and observe personal hygiene. The HKSAR Government has announced a package of measures to prevent people from gathering and contacting. They include extending the Chinese New Year holidays of all schools in Hong Kong, introducing special work arrangement for government departments and appealing to private sector organisations to make flexible work arrangements likewise, closing some of the government facilities such as leisure and cultural facilities and suspending recreation and sports programmes, as well as adjusting services subsidised by the Social Welfare Department. In fact, although today is the first working day after the Chinese New Year holidays, there is obviously less people on the street when comparing to normal working days. The HKSAR Government appeals to members of the public for their understanding of the inconvenience caused by the relevant measures and the inadequate supply of protective equipment. It also appeals to the community to work together in disease prevention and control at this critical moment.

At the same time, Hong Kong Customs has launched a large-scale territory-wide special operation since January 27 to combat surgical masks with false origin claims, non-compliance with consumer goods safety standards and false trademarks to protect safety and rights of the public. The operation will continue.

The spokesman said the Government noticed some members of the public are rushing to buy food. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has confirmed with the major suppliers that the supply of food products remains normal, and the suppliers will replenish the shelves of food products as soon as possible. The spokesman stressed that the suspension of services at some control points announced yesterday will not affect freight services, so food supply to Hong Kong will not be affected. The Government will maintain communication with the sector to ensure smooth supply of food.


Ends/Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Issued at HKT 23:54
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/30/P2020013000502.htm

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


The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

As at noon today (January 30), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health (DH) the admission of 95 patients (49 male and 46 female, aged 14 months to 100) in the past 24 hours who met the reporting criteria of severe respiratory disease associated with a novel infectious agent. Specimens of the patients concerned have been sent to the DH for testing. Among the 139 patients under isolation, 135 patients are in stable condition, while three and one patients are in serious and critical condition.

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





Ends/Thursday, January 30, 2020
Issued at HKT 17:40
 
Source: https://www.republicworld.com/world...s/hong-kong-no-new-virus-cases-confirmed.html

Hong Kong: No New Virus Cases Confirmed
Health authorities in Hong Kong said on Thursday there have been no further cases of the new coronavirus found - 10 cases in total had been confirmed by Wednesday evening.
Written By Associated Press Television News | Mumbai | Updated On: January 30, 2020 18:34 IST

Health authorities in Hong Kong said on Thursday there have been no further cases of the new coronavirus found - 10 cases in total had been confirmed by Wednesday evening...
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/30/P2020013000652.htm

Transcript of remarks by CS at media session
*************************************


The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr James Lau; and the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, met the media today (January 30). Following is the transcript of remarks from the media session:

Reporter: A lot of people are very desperate to get a face mask these days and will the Government consider following the example of Singapore or Macao to actually distribute those masks to the general public? And also, secondly, will the Government reconsider the option of closing the border or really barring Mainland people from entering Hong Kong? And also some pro-establishment lawmakers have been suggesting that maybe the Government can actually stop Mainlanders who have those valid individual visit permits from coming in. Will the Government consider doing that as well?

Chief Secretary for Administration: Now, on the question of whether the Government will hand out masks to the Hong Kong community, I think the whole question hinges on the supply, local supply. And if we can tackle the supply at source, I think the problem will be solved basically, you know. That's why we have been leaving no stone unturned in the last few weeks, trying to play the role of a facilitator. For example, most of the importers actually aren't from the Mainland. They are Hong Kong-based companies but they are operating, manufacturing on the Mainland. That's why we are facilitating by contacting the relevant ministries of our country, customs and so on to ensure that the masks can arrive Hong Kong on time and also in adequate amount.

Because of the apparent shortage on the Mainland also, you can imagine the situation is very tense at the moment. It’s also a global situation, a global problem now. It’s not just a problem for Hong Kong or China. In fact it's a global issue. Even the WHO recognises that the shortage of masks hits many, many countries in the world. That's why, in the last week or so, we've managed to facilitate 8 million pieces of masks to come to Hong Kong - some arrived yesterday, some arriving today, some arriving tomorrow. So I'm sure that in the next few days more masks will be available on the market. Secondly, 24 million pieces of masks are ready for shipment, about to be manufactured. In fact, everything is ready. Green light is given on the Mainland, so we expect 24 million pieces of masks coming to Hong Kong in the not too distant future. So I think it's a question of market forces, supply and demand.

The other question, I'm afraid I will focus today on the issue of masks. The steering committee led by the Chief Executive is meeting right now. It will continue to meet tomorrow, the fifth time, underlining the importance we attach to this issue facing us in Hong Kong. She will chair a press conference tomorrow to answer questions other than masks, so you can leave the question until tomorrow. OK? Thank you.

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




Ends/Thursday, January 30, 2020
Issued at HKT 21:10
 
[h=3]See video at link -

https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/video-gallery.htm




Some people in Tin Shui Wai failed to buy masks and slapped shop gates[/h]


2020-01-30 HKT 09:38

The outbreak of new coronavirus pneumonia continues, and the port mask continues to be in short supply. A large-scale chain personal care store announced on a social networking site yesterday that each branch will have about 20 boxes of masks available today. There are long queues outside the store, and a large number of citizens are waiting to buy.

Among them, a branch of a shopping mall in Tin Shui Wai had hundreds of people lining up outside the door in the morning. Since only 20 chips were dispatched, some citizens complained about the staff because they could not buy masks, and slammed and kicked the shop gates. The staff called the police. More than 10 police officers arrived to understand and urged the public to calm down.

The top citizen said that when she arrived at 2am, she felt relieved that she had finally been funded. She said that there were no masks in her home and she asked the government to find ways to increase the supply of masks. As for the 20th-ranked citizen who arrived last morning at 5 am, he believes that the government has so far only indicated that masks are being collected globally, and the measures are not enough. There are people in the lower ranks who are unable to find a way. She said that because they are not available in Yuen Long and Tuen Mun, she went to Tin Shui Wai in the morning to try. When she arrived at 5:30 in the morning, she could not get any money. The pain still had to be cold and early in the morning, but it was all empty and the situation was "miserable."

https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/video-gallery.htm
 
Hong Kong politician tells constituents "steaming a mask" is a good way to clean and reuse it, despite Hong Kong government saying "never do that".

https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1505673-20200130.htm
https://coconuts.co/hongkong/news/2...ous-virus-after-caring-for-infected-patients/

A political battle has erupted in Hong Kong with the health spokesperson for a pro-government political party taking to the networks claiming that steaming a mask is an effective treatment. The Hong Kong Center for Health Protection spoke against the practice and encouraged people not to follow this practice.
 
Nannies and maids asked not to go out on their day off.

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

https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2020/01/20200130/20200130_153059_913.html?type=ticker
The Labour Department today appealed to foreign domestic helpers to stay home on their rest day to safeguard their personal health and help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus in the community.

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

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

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

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

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


​
 
Jan 30 -- 95 Wuhan-related cases reported to hospitals over past 24 hours.

https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2020/01/20200130/20200130_172457_939.html?type=ticker

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

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

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

The authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/30/P2020013000689.htm Government increases supply of surgical masks through multi-pronged approach
*****************************************************************


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Ends/Thursday, January 30, 2020
Issued at HKT 22:54
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/30/P2020013000723.htm

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Customs reminds members of the public to observe the following tips when purchasing surgical masks:
  • Pay attention to the information on the packages, including the manufacturing and expiry dates;
  • Check the surgical masks to see if any dirt or trace of being used before making purchases;
  • Check with the shopkeepers immediately when there is any doubt; and
  • Purchase at reputable shops;
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO), any person who supplies goods with a false trade description in the course of trade or business, or is in possession of any goods for sale with a false trade description, or sells or possesses for sale any goods with a forged trademark commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

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

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

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

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



Ends/Thursday, January 30, 2020
Issued at HKT 23:34
 
Hong Kong University to remain closed until March 2.

https://www.hku.hk/press/news_detail_20596.html
[h=2]Further suspension of campus teaching at HKU until March 2, 2020[/h]
30 Jan 2020



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Research postgraduates should discuss their study plans with their supervisors.

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

Professor Ian Holliday
Vice-President & Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching & Learning)
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/31/P2020013100015.htm

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A spokesman for the CHP said, "The CHP will continue to maintain its liaison with the National Health Commission, the World Health Organization and the relevant health authorities, and closely monitor the situation for risk assessment."...
 
Source: https://www.voachinese.com/a/HK-Gov...rus-Outbreak-Criticized-20200131/5268188.html

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

Ren Xin


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is reported that the Hong Kong Hospital Authority's staff front will hold a general meeting this week to negotiate with the government. If the government does not close customs, medical staff plan to go on strike next Monday.
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/31/P2020013100713.htm
Public hospital daily update on Wuhan-related cases
******************************************


The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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