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

Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/14/P2020021400711.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 14), the CHP is investigating three additional case of novel coronavirus infection, taking to 56 the number of confirmed cases so far in Hong Kong.

The first case involves a 41-year-old woman (the 54th case) who is the cousin of the 37-year-old male patient of the 53rd case confirmed yesterday (February 13). The patient has good past health and lives in Tai Long Wan Village, Shek O. She developed cough since February 3 and sought medical attention at Ruttonjee Hospital yesterday and was admitted for isolation and management. 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. She had dinner with the patients of five confirmed cases (the 46th, 48th, 49th, 52nd and 53rd case) at Star Seafood Restaurant in North Point on January 26 evening. According to the preliminary epidemiological investigations by the CHP, the patient has eight household close contacts.

The second case involves a 70-year-old man (the 55th case) with underlying illnesses who lives alone in Shek Yi House, Shek Lei (II) Estate. He had a fall at home and was sent to Princess Margaret Hospital on February 12. He had developed malaise, shortness of breath and cough with sputum since February 2. At the hospital, he presented with fever and desaturation and was admitted for management. His respiratory sample was tested positive for novel coronavirus and he is now in a critical condition. The patient had a day trip to the Mainland through the Lok Ma Chau Control Point on January 22.

The third case involves a 61-year-old woman (the 56th case) with good past health who lives in 233 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan. She developed cough and epigastric pain since February 10, and fever and shortness of breath since February 12. The patient sought medical attention at Queen Mary Hospital yesterday and was admitted for isolation and management. 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 husband is asymptomatic and will be arranged for quarantine.

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 13 485 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/Friday, February 14, 2020
Issued at HKT 21:09
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/14/P2020021400847.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) today (February 14) announced that the tests on novel coronavirus for asymptomatic residents of the A07 units of Hong Mei House, Cheung Hong Estate in Tsing Yi had been completed. All 101 samples tested negative for novel coronavirus.

​ Meanwhile, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Housing Department (HD) have already conducted thorough cleaning and disinfection for all the A07 units of Hong Mei House. The HD's technical inspection teams led by Maintenance Surveyors have also completed the inspection of vent pipe in the units concerned and carried out necessary follow-up. As such, the residents concerned may leave quarantine centres tomorrow. Shuttle bus service will be provided to them for returning home.

​ The CHP will continue the contact tracing on the four confirmed cases of Hong Mei House.

​ A spokesman for the CHP said, "According to the preliminary epidemiological investigation by the CHP, some of the confirmed cases are local cases. 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/Friday, February 14, 2020
Issued at HKT 23:15
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/14/P2020021400870.htm

Transcript of remarks of press conference
**********************************


The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, held a press conference this afternoon (February 14). Also joining were the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr James Lau; the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong; the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee; the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan; and the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip. Following is the transcript of remarks of the press conference.

Reporter: When you work out how to bring the Hong Kong residents back from the Diamond Princess, will they be subject to further quarantine when they get back to Hong Kong? And secondly, are you concerned about the conditions that they are being kept in while they're on the Diamond Princess, particularly the close confinement where the virus can spread faster, maybe? And, Mrs Lam, there's been a lot of criticism of this administration's handling of this crisis, from the border closures to the panic buying on the streets. Are you worried that that may lead to lawmakers holding up this funding request?

Chief Executive: I'll answer the last question and then perhaps the two colleagues could help to address this question about this cruise. Since the notification was received in Hong Kong on December 31 - it's now past one and a half months - the HKSAR Government has put in every effort to fight this virus infection and this is something that friends of the media could see because you have been coming to these press conferences and media briefings on a very regular basis. We will continue to work very hard based on our very good track record in our public health experience and expertise; based on the advisory panel experts who have been with us all along in these past six weeks; and based on the dedication of our colleagues and the amount of resources that this Government is prepared to put into this fight against the disease. Today's initiative to announce the setting up of this fund with an estimated amount of $25 billion is again one of those commitments to the people of Hong Kong. My biggest concern now is really for us to overcome this public health crisis together so that we could then focus on relaunching Hong Kong and rebuilding Hong Kong's economic strength.

Secretary for Security: Regarding the Hong Kong people who are being kept on Diamond Princess, of course we are very concerned. We care for their well-being. That is why we have sent four Immigration Officers to Japan to work with the Economic and Trade Office there together with people from the Chinese Embassy to give them the best support and assistance that we can offer. We have already indicated to the Japanese authorities whether they can consider allowing them (Hong Kong people) to do the quarantine on land and also whether the Hong Kong people can be tested as soon as possible.

The Immigration Officers together with the officers from the ETO (Economic and Trade Office) in Japan and also the Chinese Embassy officials have been keeping contact with the Hong Kong people. We are offering what we can do so as to satisfy their needs. A lot of them are asking for assistance in getting the medicine they need. Immigration Officers have already provided about 50 Hong Kong people with the medicine they need and also there are about 17 to 18 people who have received the required medicine through the cruise (operator).

We also learned that the Japanese authorities will be conducting tests by selecting people as the first batch, who are over 70 years old together with symptoms, such as fever. And those who are tested positive will be sent to hospital for treatment. Those who are tested negative will be given a choice to either do the quarantine onboard the ship or on land. We understand that there is one Hong Kong lady over 80 years old will be in the first batch of testing.

The Security Bureau has already set up a working group to look at how we can arrange these people to come back to Hong Kong as soon as possible. Officials of this working group include officers from the Security Bureau, the Immigration Department, the Food and Health Bureau, the Department of Health and various government departments with experience in arranging transportation and offering assistance.

What we are doing is liaising closely with the Japanese authorities, so as to get the first-hand information as quickly as possible. Some questions we want to get answers from the Japanese authorities include how soon these Hong Kong people will be allowed to disembark and how soon they will be allowed to leave Japan for Hong Kong. Whether they will be allowed to disembark in groups? How big will each group be? How many days may it take? These are the things that we want to get information from the Japanese authorities as soon as possible, so that the working group can look at all these things to work out how we can as soon as possible arrange for the Hong Kong people to come back. We will also look at how to deal with them when they return.

Chief Executive: If I may just supplement and answer your specific question about what will happen to these residents upon returning to Hong Kong, this is a public health matter, so I can assure you that it will still be guided by the experts' advice. I have, in fact, briefly raised this matter with the experts already, and the experts' advice will in turn be based on epidemiological evidence. That's why Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection is now liaising with the Japanese health authorities to try to get as much information as possible so that the experts could then give us advice on how to deal with the returnees. Basically, our primary objective is to look after the health and the safety of these Hong Kong people returning to Hong Kong and also the overall public health situation requirements in Hong Kong.

Reporter: Hi, Mrs Lam, about two weeks ago, you’ve mentioned about bringing those in Hubei back home but practically little progress has been announced. Could you promise the people of Hong Kong that you will try to first bring those vulnerables, including those aged, children with long-term illness from Wuhan and Hubei back home first and if so, when is that possible? And also to accommodate those returning from Japan or Hubei, potentially subjecting to quarantines, could Secretary Yau enlighten us whether you plan to use the land around Disney, or are you in discussion with Disney to build some quarantine site around that place? What’s the progress of discussion? When’s this going to be ready? My second question concerns the $25 billion that will be tabled to LegCo pretty soon. This is probably one of the – given that amount and the speed it’s going to be tabled, it was sort of unprecedented, for lawmakers, Mrs Lam, is there practically a choice for them to consider these proposals, or do they have to bargain in terms of to where these should be used, and what’s your message for them?

Chief Executive: I’ll answer the question about this funding and then invite the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs to address the Hubei Hong Kong people. Yes, this is a pretty large sum of money, but we are facing an almost unprecedented situation and we are still in the midst of this particular situation which is still evolving. I suppose people should look at the content. This time the Government has taken some bold and decisive step to help different sectors and also to ensure that we can continue to undertake all the infection control measures that have been put in place. If members of the public and members of the Legislative Council do feel that each and every of these initiatives are as necessary, then the amount is not the most important factor, because if you want to do all these things, then you need to get the money, and I’m going to apply also for a contingency, because, as I said, the situation is evolving. In an emergency situation which we are in, you remember that when I introduced the regulations made by the Executive Council, that was premised on the declaration of Hong Kong entering into a public health emergency, so I feel that these measures are justified and they have taken into account the feedback given to us by Legislative Council Members and also expressed in public and from the various sectors. I would very much hope that Members of the Legislative Council would not bargain with us and will accept that these measures are essential, given the current situation.

Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs: Our colleagues and the Wuhan Economic and Trade Office, together with the Immigration Department colleagues, have been following up and rendering the necessary support and assistance to those Hong Kong people stranded in Hubei. Up till now, we have received more than 1,100 cases involving more than 2,200 Hong Kong people. We have been maintaining contacts with them, arranging to send drugs to those in need by batches, some have already arrived while some are on the way, and also providing them with hotlines as well as all the necessary assistance and support.

From day one, upon receipt of the assistance cases, we have already started the contingency planning. Because we obviously know that for those who went to Hubei to visit their relatives, they did not anticipate that they have to stay there for so long and they are anxious to come back. We have already started planning for their return arrangement. Given the number, of course we will take into account the actual ways of doing it, including the possibility of returning by batches, how to prevent cross-infection during the return trip, and also the proper quarantine arrangement upon their return to Hong Kong. We have been doing that and we will try our very best to make this arrangement, taking into account the actual situation, particularly the availability of quarantine facilities of sufficient capacity.

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: As the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs mentioned, obviously we need all sorts of quarantine facilities for surveillance, and we therefore leave no stone unturned. I think this is a job that the entire Government is putting heads together. As far as your question on the use of the Phase 2 land (site) designated for Disneyland’s expansion is concerned, we have secured the consent of the company to offer part of the site for this purpose, if it is eventually needed. Obviously, it would not provide an immediate capacity to handle the situation now, but basically if need be that would be one of the possibilities we are considering. Thank you.

Reporter: …(inaudible)

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: I don’t have the exact configuration yet. We are looking at various options and obviously there are planned facilities for immediate service, which I think the Department of Health has identified. But for medium or longer term, we will identify any possible space available. In that regard, we have got the consent of the company for designating part of (the land) for use.

Chief Executive: Maybe to give you an overall picture, because quarantine facilities are extremely essential in our operation and also in situations when there are two groups of Hong Kong people returning to Hong Kong and require quarantine, so in addition to the centres that we are already using very much to the full capacity, the public housing estate in Chun Yeung Estate is extremely important. And on top of that we are embarking on in-situ expansion in Lei Yue Mun holiday camp. It’s within an existing camp we find some vacant land and we are going to build on that vacant land. Actually, I went to see that particular site earlier this week. We are doing similar work in the Sai Kung outdoor recreation camp. We are also planning to use the Police’s Pat Heung Junior Police Call Centre, and on this I must thank the Police for letting us use the Pat Heung centre. To find a vacant piece of land to build additional units is also on our radar screen so to speak. Thank you.

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




Ends/Friday, February 14, 2020
Issued at HKT 23:39
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/15/P2020021500003.htm

Hongkong Post response to media enquiries
***********************************


In response to the media enquiry on the case of a driver of our contractor having his family member confirmed with novel coronavirus infection, Hongkong Post today (February 15) gave a reply as follows:

Hongkong Post was notified by a driver of our contractor serving Chai Wan Delivery Office (CWDO) at about 8am yesterday (February 14), saying that a family member living with him was confirmed with novel coronavirus infection in early hours of the day. He has already gone for medical examination at Ruttonjee Hospital on his own initiative and is now waiting for the test result. The driver in question did not go for work at CWDO today.

The driver in question is responsible for driving duties for CWDO. Working for three hours every morning, he is responsible for transporting mail bags and postal staff around the Eastern District from Tai Koo Shing to Siu Sai Wan. The driver needs not work in CWDO or come into contact with mail items or work for any delivery duties. Neither does he park his vehicle in CWDO after he discharges his duties every day.

After receiving the above notification this morning, Hongkong Post conducted a briefing on the case for our CWDO staff. We instantly traced the source and it showed that a total of 18 CWDO staff took a ride on the vehicle in question since service resumption on February 3. For the sake of safety, while awaiting the test result of the Department of Health, we have arranged the relevant staff to rest at home. In parallel, we also immediately sought advice from the Centre for Health Protection, which advised us to continue to clean our workplace with 1:99 diluted household bleach. We will also arrange for disinfection of CWDO tonight. Staff of CWDO have also been briefed of the whole situation.

Hongkong Post reiterates that we have always been much concerned about the occupational health and safety of our staff and will continue to provide surgical masks, alcohol swabs and other gears for their protection. Time and again, we appeal to our staff for attaching great importance on personal hygiene and advise them to rest at home and go for medical consultation at once in case of feeling unwell.

Delivery service of CWDO will remain normal.



Ends/Saturday, February 15, 2020
Issued at HKT 0:15
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/15/P2020021500053.htm

Immigration Department and HKETO (Tokyo) assist Hong Kong residents quarantined in cruise (with photo)
********************************************************************************


A spokesman for the Security Bureau today (February 15) said that the Immigration Department (ImmD) and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Tokyo (HKETO) have been endeavouring to provide practical assistance to the Hong Kong residents under quarantine on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship docking in Yokohama, Japan.

According to the information provided by the cruise operator, there are around 330 Hong Kong residents on board, including 260 holding a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport and around 70 holding a foreign passport. Among them, 11 have been confirmed to have infected with the novel coronavirus.

The ImmD has contacted most of the affected Hong Kong residents, including the infected patients who are hospitalised for treatment, to understand their needs and provide practicable assistance.

So far, the ImmD has sent four officers to Japan to provide assistance to the affected Hong Kong residents together with the HKETO. Although officials from the HKSAR Government could not board the cruise ship, they have through the cruise operator been delivering medicine and daily necessities to Hong Kong residents in need. They will continue to reflect the needs of those concerned to the cruise operator and the doctors on duty.

The HKETO and the ImmD today delivered, through the cruise operator, gift packs containing surgical masks and disinfection products to the Hong Kong residents aboard as a token of care by the HKSAR Government. The HKETO also met with representatives of the cruise operator this morning to know more about the conditions of those Hong Kong residents to ensure that they are well taken care of and to reflect their wishes to the cruise operator.

Meanwhile, the HKSAR Government has been maintaining close contact with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Japan, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. According to the latest information obtained, the Japanese authorities advised that the quarantine period would in principle end on February 19. It is however not clear yet as to the exact arrangements after completion of the quarantine period, for example whether all passengers and crew members would require further testing, particularly for those who had close contacts with the confirmed cases. The HKSAR Government is urging the Japanese authorities to advise on such information as soon as possible. Subject to the Japanese authorities' arrangements, the HKSAR Government will confirm the arrangements of the Hong Kong residents concerned upon their return to Hong Kong as advised by the Department of Health.

The HKSAR Government is liaising with airlines to formulate plans to assist the relevant Hong Kong residents to return to Hong Kong as soon as possible. Detailed arrangements will be confirmed later. The Immigration officers will contact all Hong Kong residents on board in the coming one or two days to gauge their views.

There are nearly 3 700 passengers and crew members on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship. According to the information provided by the Japanese authorities, as at February 13, there were a total of 218 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus infection. All passengers and crew members have been required by the Japanese authorities to remain on board and put under quarantine since February 5.



Ends/Saturday, February 15, 2020
Issued at HKT 1:25
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/15/P2020021500546.htm

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


The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

As at noon today (February 15), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 45 patients (23 male and 22 female, aged 12 months to 83 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 120 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/Saturday, February 15, 2020
Issued at HKT 17:48
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/15/P2020021500590.htm
HA seriously condemns malicious behaviours of damaging general outpatient clinic
******************************************************************


The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

Regarding an incident of vandalism causing damages to a general outpatient clinic, the Hospital Authority (HA) issued the following statement today (February 15):

The incident has caused damages to the Tai Po Jockey Club General Outpatient Clinic on Ting Kok Road, Tai Po this morning. An HA spokesperson seriously condemned the repeated malicious behaviours of damaging the general outpatient clinic, which would affect the safety of healthcare staff and patients.

The spokesperson said that damaging medical facilities would affect the clinic's operations and compromise patient safety.

The HA urged a stop to the act of vandalism and had referred the incident to the police, apart from stepping up the security of the clinic.



Ends/Saturday, February 15, 2020
Issued at HKT 18:50
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/15/P2020021500620.htm

EDB clarification
*************


Regarding a news report alleging that international schools are allowed to flexibly resume classes, a spokesman for the Education Bureau (EDB) said today (February 15) that the allegation is misleading, adding that classes of all schools remain suspended and would not resume before March 16. The exact date of class resumption is subject to further assessment.

The spokesman explained that in view of the situation of the novel coronavirus infection, the EDB has decided that classes of all schools remain suspended but schools should keep their premises open and step up cleansing with a view to taking care of some students in need.

As regards schools offering non-local curriculum, including international schools, most of the international public examinations of the courses concerned will take place later than the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination. Hence, the teaching of some courses for the graduating classes and some coursework for school-based assessments required by these public examinations have not yet been completed. As compared to overseas students sitting for the same public examinations, the EDB understands that the above situation would have great impact on students in Hong Kong. In this regard, if schools have put in place all necessary preventive measures and allow parents to decide whether to let their children return to schools, the EDB has no objection for schools to flexibly arrange the graduating students sitting for the imminent international public examinations to attend the necessary tutorial sessions and assessment activities.

In addition, taking into consideration that graduating students of non-local curriculum have to sit for related international public examinations for further studies or career development, the EDB agreed to allow these schools to serve as examination centres of these examinations. However, these schools should make reference to the preventive measures to be adopted by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) for this year's HKDSE Examination.

The EDB trusts that school management, principals and teachers, as education practitioners, will put the well-being of students as their prime concern and strike a balance between the needs of students for further studies and protection from the epidemic.

The spokesman emphasised that the above-mentioned arrangements apply to the graduating class only, and that students of other grades should study at home, e.g. by means of e-learning, during class suspension. The Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, met with representatives of schools offering non-local curriculum yesterday (February 14), during which he had explained in detail the basic principles and arrangements for class suspension and responded to their queries and concerns.

Regarding the HKDSE Examination, the teaching of the relevant courses has been completed. Students have also in general completed the coursework for school-based assessment. If there are individual cases of unfinished school-based assessment, the HKEAA has a mechanism to handle them.

The EDB understands that some secondary schools have not conducted internal mock examinations for the HKDSE Examination before classes were suspended, but these examinations are not indispensable and there are other feasible alternatives. Therefore, under the current circumstances, it is not appropriate to hold them on school premises. The same principle applies to schools offering non-local curriculum.



Ends/Saturday, February 15, 2020
Issued at HKT 18:58
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/16/P2020021600026.htm

HKSAR Government is arranging chartered flight to take Hong Kong residents on board Diamond Princess cruise ship home free of charge
************************************************************************************


A spokesman for the Security Bureau said on February 15 that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is arranging chartered flight to take the Hong Kong residents under quarantine on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship back to Hong Kong free of charge soonest possible after they are permitted to disembark and land. Once the Japanese authorities have confirmed the detailed arrangements, the Government will inform the affected Hong Kong residents details of the return date and related arrangements as soon as possible.

Taking into consideration the potential risk on public health, the persons concerned will be arranged to stay at quarantine centre for 14 days upon their arrival in Hong Kong.

The Immigration Department (ImmD) officers are concurrently notifying all of the concerned Hong Kong residents the above arrangements by text messages.

The ImmD and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Tokyo have been maintaining close contact with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Japan, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, to keep abreast of the updated conditions of those Hong Kong residents under quarantine on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship docking in Yokohama, Japan. The HKSAR Government will continue to urge the Japanese side to confirm the detailed arrangements for the disembarkation of the passengers on board as soon as possible.

According to the information provided by the cruise operator, there are around 330 Hong Kong residents on board, including 260 holding a HKSAR passport and around 70 holding a foreign passport.



Ends/Sunday, February 16, 2020
Issued at HKT 0:48
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/16/P2020021600614.htm

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


The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

As at noon today (February 16), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 17 patients (six male and 11 female, aged 30 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 for testing.

There are currently 103 patients under isolation. So far, two patients who had novel coronavirus infection have been discharged upon recovery.

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



Ends/Sunday, February 16, 2020
Issued at HKT 18:55

NNNN
 
Source: https://www.shine.cn/news/nation/2002162151/

Hong Kong reports 57th confirmed case, 2nd cured case of COVID-19
Xinhua
18:39 UTC+8, 2020-02-16

The number of confirmed cases of novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) in Hong Kong has increased to 57, while a second patient has been cured and discharged from the hospital, Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection (CHP) said on Sunday afternoon.

The 57th COVID-19 case in Hong Kong, which was confirmed on Sunday, involves a 54-year-old man living in the Taikoo Shing neighborhood on the Hong Kong Island. The man, with no history of travel during the incubation period, sought treatment at private clinic and public hospital after developing fever and cough days ago, Chuang Shuk-kwan, head of the CHP's Communicable Disease Branch, said at the daily press briefing.

The patient's wife has also been admitted to hospital after presenting with symptoms...
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/16/P2020021600663.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 16), the CHP is investigating one additional case of novel coronavirus infection, taking to 57 the number of confirmed cases so far in Hong Kong.

The new case involves a 54-year-old man (the 57th case) with good past health who lives in Ming Kung Mansion, Taikoo Shing. He developed fever since February 7 and cough since February 15. He consulted a private doctor on February 7 and 10 and sought medical attention at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) on February 10. He consulted the same private doctor on February 13 and 15 and attended PYNEH again on February 15 and was admitted for isolation and management. His respiratory samples were tested positive for novel coronavirus and he is now in a stable condition.

The patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His wife who lived with him has developed symptoms and has been transferred to hospital for isolation and treatment. According to the patient, he attended a church activity at a church in Shau Kei Wan on February 9. Relevant contract tracing by the CHP is ongoing.

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

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

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

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

The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. 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 14 612 calls were received.

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

...Ends/Sunday, February 16, 2020
Issued at HKT 20:05
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/17/P2020021700027.htm

Government's guidelines on distributing protective gears
*********************************************


In response to media enquiries about the guidelines on distributing protective gears within the government, a spokesman for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau gave the following reply yesterday (February 16):

As the situation of novel coronavirus infection developed, the demand for protective gears such as masks and isolation gowns has drastically increased in recent days. Facing a worldwide shortage of masks, the Government Logistics Department (GLD) has already adopted a multi-pronged approach and stepped up its efforts in global sourcing to meet the government's operational requirements.

The GLD has at present a stock of about 12 million masks. Together with the stock kept by individual departments and production by the Correctional Services Department, the current total stock can last for only about two months.

It must be pointed out that all government departments have worked very hard to keep their demands for masks to a minimum and the total demand has been reduced to about 8 million masks per month, the majority of which are used for tackling and preventing the novel coronavirus infection. These include demand from medical and port health staff of the Department of Health and the staff from other government departments providing essential and emergency services. Taking the Police Force as an example, police officers have very often been deployed at the frontline to tackle the novel coronavirus infection together with other government departments, including stationing at quarantine centres and boundary control points to help with quarantine duties, as well as conducting spot checks on people under compulsory quarantine. The provision of masks to government officers who perform these duties is in compliance with the current guidelines on distribution of protective gears within the government.

The GLD will comply strictly with the distribution guidelines and accord priority to frontline staff participating in quarantine-related work, execution of quarantine orders and maintenance of essential public services.



Ends/Monday, February 17, 2020
Issued at HKT 1:05
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/17/P2020021700504.htm

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

As at noon today (February 17), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 15 patients (eight male and seven female, aged 23 to 70) 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 currently 96 patients under isolation. So far, two patients who had novel coronavirus infection have been discharged upon recovery.

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



Ends/Monday, February 17, 2020
Issued at HKT 17:52
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/17/P2020021700654.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 17), the CHP is investigating three additional cases of novel coronavirus infection, taking to 60 the number of confirmed cases so far in Hong Kong.

The first case involves a 69-year-old man (the 58th case) with underlying illnesses who lives in Yee Ching House, Yee Ming Estate, Tseung Kwan O. He developed cough on February 8 and consulted a private doctor three times between February 8 and 13. He sought medical attention at Cheung Sha Wan Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic for persistent cough on February 15. He consulted the same private doctor again yesterday (February 16) for shortness of breath and was referred to Caritas Medical Centre and admitted for medical treatment. His respiratory samples were tested positive for novel coronavirus and he is now in a stable condition. The patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His home contact is asymptomatic and will be arranged for quarantine.

The second case involves a 45-year-old man (the 59th case) who is the colleague of the 54-year-old male patient of the 57th case confirmed yesterday. The patient has good past health who lives in Oi Wah House, Tsz Oi Court, Tsz Wan Shan. He developed fever and sore throat since February 12 and consulted a private doctor on February 13. He sought medical attention at Queen Elizabeth Hospital yesterday and was admitted for treatment. His respiratory samples were tested positive for novel coronavirus and he is now in a stable condition. The patient travelled to Da Nang, Vietnam during the incubation period (from January 30 to February 1). The patient lives with his wife and three daughters, who are all asymptomatic and will be arranged for quarantine.

The third case involves a 46-year-old woman (the 60th case) who is the wife of the 57th case confirmed yesterday. The patient has good past health who lives in Ming Kung Mansion, Taikoo Shing. She developed runny nose since February 8 and cough since February 10. She consulted a private doctor on February 10 and was referred to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital for admission and treatment by the CHP yesterday. Her respiratory samples were tested positive for novel coronavirus and she is now in a stable condition. The patient had no travel history during the incubation period. According to the patient, she attended a church activity at a church in Shau Kei Wan with her husband on February 9.

Relevant contract tracing by the CHP is ongoing.

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

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

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

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

The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. Quarantine will be arranged for close contacts while medical surveillance will be arranged for other contacts. For the progress on the contact tracing of the cases, please see annex.

The CHP has set up a hotline (2125 1122) for public enquiries. The hotline operates from 8am to midnight daily. As at 4pm today, a total of 15 130 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/Monday, February 17, 2020
Issued at HKT 20:16
 
Source: https://www.krmg.com/news/national/...-coronavirus-outbreak/2jHBfvZgJZlTFZT4lVK7iJ/


600 rolls of toilet paper stolen by armed robbers amid coronavirus outbreak
By: Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Published: February 17, 2020 7:52 AM

The coronavirus outbreak has had an unexpected consequence -- a rush on toilet paper.

And people are apparently going to desperate measures, turning to crime to get their hands on a roll.

Police in Hong Kong said men armed with knives stole about 600 rolls of toilet paper Monday, the BBC reported...
 
[h=1]Virus scare hits home for Hospital Authority after latest cases visited HQ for meeting[/h] By Coconuts Hong Kong Feb 17, 2020 | 6:14pm Hong Kong time
The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak has hit especially close to home for Hong Kong’s health authorities after two men believed to have been infected with the novel virus recently visited the Hospital Authority’s headquarters.
Unidentified sources told RTHK today that the city’s 57th confirmed coronavirus patient and another man who has preliminarily tested positive for the illness had been at the Hospital Authority’s offices on Argyle Street for a meeting a few days ago, and that the areas the pair had been to had since been sterilized.,,,:tiphat:https://coconuts.co/hongkong/news/v...ty-after-latest-cases-visited-hq-for-meeting/
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/17/P2020021700714.htm

Hospital Authority's follow up on two visitors confirmed with novel coronavirus infection
**********************************************************************


The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

In response to media enquiry, the spokesperson for Hospital Authority (HA) replies as follows:

The HA noted that two confirmed cases of novel coronavirus infection had visited and participated in the meetings held at the HA Building on 6 and 7 February.

The HA will work with the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) on contact tracing. Both meetings were held before symptom onset of the concerned patients. All participants of the meetings have worn face masks. Investigations of the CHP are ongoing.

One of the staff members participated only in the meeting on 7 February has sore throat this evening. He will be sent to the hospital for the test of novel coronavirus. No other staff members have expressed feeling discomfort.

Since the commencement of the epidemic, the HA Head Office has arranged contractor to perform thorough cleansing and disinfection, and reminded colleagues to pay attention to personal hygiene, including wearing masks and washing hands frequently. The HA will further enhance cleansing in the building's common areas and meeting rooms. Video-conference will be arranged to reduce social contact where feasible.

The HA will continue to work with the CHP to follow up the cases.




Ends/Monday, February 17, 2020
Issued at HKT 21:36
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/17/P2020021700723.htm

Scientific committees under CHP review control strategy for novel coronavirus infection
**********************************************************************


The Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Infection Control under the Department of Health’s Centre for Health Protection this afternoon (February 17) convened a joint meeting to review the measures in light of the latest situation of novel coronavirus infection in Hong Kong.

At the meeting today, members of the Scientific Committees were updated of the latest global and local situation of novel coronavirus infection. They also reviewed the current surveillance and control measures in Hong Kong.

Members agreed that there is evidence of community transmission of novel coronavirus in Hong Kong. In order to stop ongoing spread and prevent the disease from taking root locally, Hong Kong should continue to maintain the current strategy of isolating cases, quarantine of close contacts and medical surveillance of other contacts.

The Scientific Committees acknowledged that as the outbreaks in Mainland China continue to propagate, the existing measures to minimise the population movements between Hong Kong and Mainland China should remain in place and be periodically assessed.

Members also reviewed the quarantine period for contacts of confirmed cases. In view of the existing data on the incubation period of novel coronavirus, the quarantine period for close contacts is recommended to be maintained at 14 days. Members advised that when the quarantine centres have reached their full capacity, the close contacts should be quarantined in designated quarantine facilities for the first 10 days while they could be put under home quarantine for the remaining 4 days on a case-by-case basis.

The Scientific Committees recommended that the entire society should be mobilised to continue to strengthen social distancing measures, personal hygiene (including hand hygiene, cough manner, wearing a mask when having fever or respiratory symptom, etc) and environmental hygiene measures as far as practicable to minimise the further spread of the disease locally.

As some of the cases of novel coronavirus present with mild symptoms, in order to detect mild cases in the community and to have a better understanding of the epidemiological situation, members recommended that the enhanced surveillance be expanded from inpatient to outpatient settings.



Ends/Monday, February 17, 2020
Issued at HKT 21:18
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/17/P2020021700653.htm

S for S speaks on arranging Hong Kong residents under quarantine on board Diamond Princess cruise back to Hong Kong
*************************************************************************************


Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, at a media session at the Hong Kong International Airport this afternoon (February 17):

Reporter: Can you give your statement in English please?

Secretary for Security: We care for and are concerned with the well-being of the Hong Kong residents who are now kept on the Diamond Princess cruise, so we are very serious about the operation to evacuate those who are now on board the ship. Once they have been cleared by the Japanese authorities in regard to the blood test, they will be released on the 19th (of February), which is Wednesday. We have made our demands to Japan and we will reiterate our demands and further request for these Hong Kong people that once they are allowed to disembark, then they should be transported immediately to the airport, so that we will arrange them to get on board our chartered flight.

We have arranged two chartered flights ready to take them to leave Japan on the 19th (of February), so that they can come back to Hong Kong on the 20th (of February). After their arrival at Hong Kong, they will be sent to quarantine camps for 14 days' quarantine. This is done in accordance with the advice of the experts and according to the analysis about public health requirements. I advise all Hong Kong residents to take these chartered flights, so that they will all come back together to go through the procedures for their own health reason and for the protection of other people. It is important for them to know that if they do not take our chartered flight on this occasion, there will likely be a lot of difficulties for them to get back to Hong Kong because they have been on board this cruise, and it is a very open knowledge that people on this cruise will have to go through this quarantine procedure, so they will be encountering all sort of difficulties including hotels and flights.

The second thing is when they come back to Hong Kong, they are very likely that they will go through the same procedure. Our port health officers will examine each and every one of them. They are known on our immigration list, so that they will be questioned once they arrive at Hong Kong. We have arranged two chartered flights, each has over 400 seats, so there will be very sufficient space for the Hong Kong people to get on our flights. Of course there are special seating arrangements to ensure that it will conform with the health safety standard. We know that there will likely be about 350 Hong Kong people including 260 Hong Kong permanent residents and another 90 who may be holding foreign passports. We also learn that there are five Macao citizens on board the cruise, so if they want to join our flight, then we will entertain them, so that when they arrive in Hong Kong, they will be dealt with according to the wish, probably to be conveyed back to Macao.

Today we sent off the first forward action team comprising about 30 people belonging to the Security Bureau, the Immigration Department and the Department of Health. Once they arrive, they will be in touch with the Chinese embassy, who will be helping us to make our demands and also make the arrangements for the Hong Kong people to leave (for) Hong Kong. This operation has received the support of the Central Government, the foreign office, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Hong Kong and also the Chinese embassy. A lot of places and governments will be asking the Japanese authorities for different arrangements, so it is important that we go early and make our requirements loud and clear, so that the arrangements can be made as quickly as possible.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Monday, February 17, 2020
Issued at HKT 20:26
 
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