Source:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/27/P2020072700648.htm
LCSD artisan preliminarily tests positive for COVID-19
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The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (July 27) said that an artisan has preliminarily tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The artisan concerned, stationed at the Hong Kong Stadium, is responsible for cleaning work inside the stadium. Due to the COVID-19 situation, the stadium has been closed since July 15 and therefore the area she works in is not open to the public. She last performed duties on July 24. She felt unwell earlier and sought medical treatment at a hospital, and was notified this morning that she had preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19. She will be admitted to hospital and treated under isolation. She is now in stable condition.
The artisan concerned has no recent travel history. She has been wearing surgical masks when performing duties. Her body temperature was normal when undergoing temperature screening during work.
The LCSD will closely co-operate with the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) on its epidemiological investigations. Co-workers of the artisan concerned will be arranged to undergo COVID-19 testing. A thorough cleaning and sterilisation will be arranged at areas including the workplace and all public facilities according to guidelines provided by the CHP.
The LCSD is highly concerned about the COVID-19 epidemic and will continue to maintain close liaison with the CHP. Staff are reminded to pay attention to personal hygiene and to stay vigilant. They should seek medical advice immediately if feeling unwell.
Ends/Monday, July 27, 2020
Issued at HKT 19:53
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Source:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/27/P2020072700549.htm
Public hospitals daily update on COVID-19 cases
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
As at noon today (July 27), 12 COVID-19 confirmed patients (case numbers: 1254, 1324, 1337, 1448, 1488, 1521, 1545, 1581, 1749, 1898, 2020 and 2059) were discharged from hospital in the past 24 hours. Due to duplicated calculation of number of patients discharged from public hospitals and transferred to Lei Yue Mun community isolation facility by the system, after recalculating the relevant data, so far a total of 1 486 patients with confirmed or probable infection have been discharged.
At present, there are 648 negative pressure rooms in public hospitals with 1 207 negative pressure beds activated. A total of 1 014 confirmed patients are currently hospitalised in 15 public hospitals and community isolation facility, among which 38 patients are in critical condition (case numbers: 595, 1346, 1401, 1424, 1470, 1483, 1485, 1491, 1497, 1498, 1573, 1612, 1644, 1650, 1679, 1718, 1767, 1777, 1779, 1795, 1805, 1806, 1835, 1936, 1940, 1944, 1955, 1956, 2048, 2075, 2079, 2086, 2161, 2208, 2315, 2362, 2484 and 2522), 26 are in serious condition (case numbers: 1315, 1439, 1456, 1468, 1556, 1680, 1687, 1722, 1730, 1786, 1843, 1924, 1998, 2147, 2172, 2269, 2282, 2313, 2334, 2358, 2412, 2437, 2440, 2452, 2494 and 2495) and the remaining 950 patients are in stable condition.
Apart from the two patient cases announced by Queen Elizabeth Hospital earlier today, an 88-year-old male patient (case number: 1487) and a 95-year-old female patient (case number: 1901) passed away at Queen Mary Hospital this morning and at United Christian Hospital this afternoon respectively. So far, 22 COVID-19 patients have passed away in public hospitals.
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/Monday, July 27, 2020
Issued at HKT 21:00
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Source:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/27/P2020072700666.htm
New Territories South Animal Management Centre of AFCD launched to be another quarantine facility for animals related to COVID-19 cases
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In light of the latest developments of COVID-19, there has been a sharp increase in both the numbers of confirmed and close contact human cases that required pet owners to send their pet animals to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) for quarantine and veterinary monitoring. Hence, the Department needs to have more room to cater for such needs. The AFCD today (July 27) announced that the New Territories South Animal Management Centre (NTSAMC) would be launched tomorrow (July 28) as another quarantine facility for pet animals related to COVID-19 cases. All animals originally kept in the NTSAMC have been transferred to other Animal Management Centres for follow-up, and the NTSAMC will cease to receive any other animals until further notice.
The animal keeping facility at the Hong Kong Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge will only be used for quarantine and veterinary monitoring for animals tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
An AFCD spokesman reminded pet owners to adopt good hygiene practices (including hand washing before and after being around or handling animals, their food or supplies, as well as avoiding kissing them) and to maintain a clean and hygienic household environment. People who are sick should restrict contact with animals. If any changes in the health condition of the pets are spotted, advice from a veterinarian should be sought as soon as possible.
The spokesman emphasised that currently there is no evidence that pets are playing a role in the spread of human infection with the COVID-19. Pet owners should always maintain good hygiene practices and under no circumstances should they abandon their pets.
Ends/Monday, July 27, 2020
Issued at HKT 21:30
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Source:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/27/P2020072700728.htm
DH's Yaumatei Maternal & Child Health Centre closed for disinfection tomorrow
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The Department of Health today (July 27) said that its Yaumatei Maternal & Child Health Centre (MCHC) learnt that a COVID-19 patient had earlier visited the MCHC. The MCHC will be closed for thorough cleaning and disinfection tomorrow (July 28). Staff is contacting affected clients to reschedule their service appointments.
The patient accompanied a client to the Yaumatei MCHC on July 17 and had a mask on during the whole visit. The patient was confirmed with COVID-19 infection on July 23.
In view of the current epidemic situation, MCHC has stepped up infection control measures, including temperature screening before clinic entry, limiting number of accompanying carers etc. At present, all MCHC staff members are wearing mask at work and practising hand hygiene at all times, and no staff members have developed symptoms or are confirmed cases. The DH is highly concerned about the COVID-19 situation and has reminded all staff again to maintain personal hygiene and be vigilant at all times. If feeling unwell, they should seek medical attention immediately.
Ends/Monday, July 27, 2020
Issued at HKT 21:50
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Source:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/27/P2020072700650.htm
Government further tightens social distancing measures
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The Government announced today (July 27) that it would gazette amendments and directions under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F), the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G) and the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I) to further tighten social distancing measures. The above amendments and directions will take effect at 0.00am on July 29.
The Government strongly urges the public to stay at home as much as possible, go out less often unless necessary, and avoid dining out and unnecessary social activities (including private gatherings), to fight the epidemic together without letting down one's guard and prevent the virus from continuing to spread in the community. Maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene at all times is key to prevention of infection and the spread of the disease in the community.
The epidemic situation of COVID-19 in Hong Kong has continued to deteriorate. New cases recorded during the period from July 20 to July 26 include 679 cases without travel history during the incubation period. The recent emergence of local cases of unknown infection source indicates the existence of sustained silent transmission in the community. The latest public health risk assessment shows that the risk of a large-scale community outbreak is now the highest since the emergence of the epidemic in Hong Kong.
According to the World Health Organization and health experts, COVID-19 would not be eradicated without effective treatment and vaccination. The Government thus is required to incorporate work in relation to disease prevention and control as well as infection management into the new normal of the daily operation of the society. To this end, the Government has all along adopted the "suppress and lift" strategy in order to quickly adjust epidemic control measures having regard to the development of the epidemic situation. In view of the continued deterioration of the epidemic situation, the Government considers it necessary to further tighten social distancing measures.
A spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau said, "In view of the latest public health risk assessment, in particular the higher risks brought about by activities conducted without wearing masks as well as various social activities as shown in recent cases, we are of the view that it is now necessary to tighten social distancing measures implemented under Cap. 599F, Cap. 599G and Cap. 599I, including requiring the cessation of dine-in services at catering businesses, incorporating more premises into the list of scheduled premises and requiring their closure, as well as requiring any person to wear mask at all times when entering or being present in any public place."
The requirements and restrictions under the latest directions (details at Annex 1) are as follows:
Catering business
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(1) Save for specific premises (details at Annex 2), a person responsible for carrying on a catering business must, at any time, cease selling or supplying food or drink for consumption on the premises of the business; and close any premises, or part of the premises, on which food or drink is sold or supplied by the business for consumption on the premises. The premises concerned may still sell or supply food and/or drink for takeaway services and deliveries. A person responsible for carrying on a catering business is also required to put up a notice at the entrance to the catering premises to remind customers that food or drink should not be consumed in areas adjacent to the catering premises. Of the aforementioned specific premises, exempted catering businesses must strictly comply with limits on number of persons and capacity, and other infection control requirements, which would be reviewed by the Government from time to time and tightened where necessary.
(2) Considering the implementation situation of the requirement to cease dine-in services above at some food courts in shopping malls, the Government amends the relevant provisions under Cap. 599F, to ensure that the relevant responsible person for carrying on the catering business and manager of the premises at which the food court is situated will close the seating area adjacent to the catering business, including seats provided in a food court.
(3) Any premises (commonly known as bar or pub) that is exclusively or mainly used for the sale or supply of intoxicating liquors as defined in section 53(1) of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109) (intoxicating liquors) for consumption in that premises must be closed. Any part of a catering premises that is exclusively or mainly used for the sale or supply of intoxicating liquors for consumption in that part must be closed.
(4) Live performance and dancing must not be allowed in any catering premises. All karaoke and mahjong-tin kau activities carried on at any catering premises must also be suspended.
Scheduled premises
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(5) Taking into account the higher risks brought about by activities conducted without wearing masks, the Government amends the relevant provisions under Cap. 599F to incorporate sports premises and swimming pools into the list of scheduled premises with effect from July 29, and will continue to require closure of all scheduled premises as below:
(a) Amusement game centres;
(b) Bathhouses;
(c) Fitness centres;
(d) Places of amusement;
(e) Places of public entertainment;
(f) Premises (commonly known as party rooms) that are maintained or intended to be maintained for hire for holding social gatherings;
(g) Beauty parlours;
(h) Establishments (commonly known as clubs or nightclubs) that are open late into the night, usually for drinking, and dancing or other entertainment;
(i) Karaoke establishments;
(j) Mahjong-tin kau premises;
(k) Massage establishments (save for those set out in Annex 3);
(l) Sports premises (new); and
(m) Swimming pools (new).
(6) Save for catering premises therein, all club-houses must be closed. Catering premises in club-houses must follow the directions set out for catering premises, including the requirement to cease dine-in services.
Cap. 599F permits individual catering business and scheduled premises to continue operation having regard to governmental operation or public interest such as to support anti-epidemic work where necessary.
The above measures concerning catering business and scheduled premises will take effect on July 29, for a period of seven days till August 4.
Persons responsible for carrying on catering businesses, persons making available seating and tables adjacent to catering business premises and managers of scheduled premises that contravene the statutory requirements under Cap. 599F would have committed a criminal offence. Offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
Group gathering
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(7) The number of persons allowed in group gatherings in public places will be tightened from four to two, with effective from July 29, 2020. Unless exempted, the prohibition on group gatherings of two persons or above in public places will continue during the seven-day period from July 29, 2020 to August 4, 2020.
Any person who participates in a prohibited group gathering; organises a prohibited group gathering; owns, controls or operates the place of such gathering and knowingly allows the taking place of such gathering, commits an offence under Cap. 599G. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for six months. Persons who participate in a prohibited group gathering may discharge liability for the offence by paying a fixed penalty of $2,000.
Mask-wearing requirement
------------------------
(8) The Secretary for Food and Health will, by way of a notice published in the Gazette, further specify all public places, to extend the mask-wearing requirement to cover all outdoor public places. When the specifications take effect on July 29, 2020, a person must wear a mask at all times when the person is boarding or onboard a public transport carrier, is entering or present in an MTR paid area, or is entering or present in a public place (indoor or outdoor). The relevant specifications will take effect for seven days till August 4, 2020. When the relevant specifications take effect, SFH's specifications made on July 22 will be suspended procedurally.
Under Cap. 599I, if a person does not wear a mask in accordance with the requirement, an authorised person may deny that person from boarding a public transport carrier or entering the area concerned, as well as require that person to wear a mask and disembark from the carrier or leave the said area. A person in contravention of the relevant provision commits an offence and the maximum penalty is a fine at level 2 ($5,000). In addition, authorised public officers may issue fixed penalty notices to persons who do not wear a mask in accordance with the requirement and such persons may discharge liability for the offence by paying a fixed penalty of $2,000.
"We will also continue to closely monitor the development of the epidemic situation and review the various measures in place from time to time with a view to making suitable adjustments taking into account all relevant factors," said the spokesman.
Ends/Monday, July 27, 2020
Issued at HKT 21:56
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Source:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/27/P2020072700763.htm
Two new COVID-19 cases related to Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse
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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) today (July 27) has notified that a new confirmed case and a preliminary confirmed case of COVID-19 related to the Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse (SSSH), which involve two buyers. The buyers concerned earlier sought medical treatment from private clinics after feeling unwell and took virus tests. They were informed by the CHP last night (July 26) and this morning that they were preliminarily tested positive and tested positive for COVID-19 respectively. In addition, the CHP today has noted that an earlier preliminary case concerning a buyer has been changed to a confirmed case.
The SSSH has immediately conducted thorough cleaning and disinfection at places where the person concerned had stayed or visited, and will fully co-operate with the CHP for its follow-up investigation. So far there are a total of five COVID-19 cases found to be related to SSSH, of which two are confirmed cases, while the other three are preliminary confirmed cases. Since there are three buyers preliminarily tested positive or tested positive for COVID-19, the SSSH will endeavour to complete the virus tests for all of the stakeholders going in and out of the SSSH as soon as possible, so as to have the infected persons isolated timely.
A spokesman for the FEHD said, "The Government is very concerned about the cases in relation to SSSH, and will strive to ensure the smooth operation of the slaughterhouse and that the supply of live pigs will not be affected. The Government and the SSSH have reviewed the purchase and sale process and has implemented social distancing measures in the slaughterhouse. It will closely monitor the latest development and further enhance anti-epidemic measures in light of the actual circumstances."
The spokesman said the operation of the SSSH has remained normal, and it has strived to ensure that its operation meets the required hygienic and environmental standards, and that all meat supplied to the market is fit for human consumption. The FEHD and CHP have contacted the operator to better understand the situation, and have immediately implemented all necessary measures and follow-up work to safeguard public hygiene and public health.
The CHP has already contacted the two buyers of the new cases today for investigation and has traced their close contacts in the slaughterhouse. Arrangements will be made for them to be tested or isolated if necessary.
Upon receiving notification of the first preliminary confirmed case found to be related to a worker in the slaughterhouse last Friday, the SSSH, in addition to regularly undertaking daily thorough cleaning and disinfection work according to the daily clearance arrangement, has immediately conducted additional enhanced deep cleaning and disinfection work at its surrounding areas, offices, rest areas and public facilities in the past few days...
...Ends/Monday, July 27, 2020
Issued at HKT 23:07
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Source:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/27/P2020072700752.htm
CHP investigates 145 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19
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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) has announced that as of 0.00am, July 27, the CHP was investigating 145 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 2 779 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 2 778 confirmed cases and one probable case).
Among the newly reported cases announced, three had travel history during the incubation period.
The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. For case details and contact tracing information, please see the Annex or the list of buildings with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and the latest local situation of COVID-19 available on the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (
www.coronavirus.gov.hk).
With soaring numbers of confirmed cases recently, the CHP may need longer time to conduct the epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing. As many cases involved the working population, the CHP appealed to employers that if they are informed by their staff being preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19 or confirmed to be infected with COVID-19, before the CHP formally notifies them regarding the confirmed cases, the employers should put in place work-from-home arrangements for all employees and temporarily close the work place for thorough cleaning and disinfection as soon as possible and if practicable. The employers can also maintain a duty roster of their staff and contact details so that the CHP can conduct contact tracing as early as possible. Meanwhile, as the epidemiological investigations take longer due to sharp increase in the number of recent confirmed cases, and to avoid inaccurate information provided in the annex to the press release issued on the same day, the remarks of epidemiological linkage in the annex have been simplified starting today (July 27). For large clusters with 10 or more confirmed cases and relevant case numbers, please refer to the latest local situation of COVID-19 available on the thematic website.
In view of the severe epidemic situation, the CHP called on members of the public to avoid going out, having social contact and dining out. They should put on a surgical mask and maintain stringent hand hygiene when they need to go out. As a number of recent cases involve elderly people, the CHP strongly urged the elderly to stay home as far as possible and avoid going out. They should consider asking their family and friends to help with every day tasks such as shopping for basic necessities.
A spokesman for the CHP said, "Given that the situation of COVID-19 infection remains severe and that there is a continuous increase in the number of cases reported around the world, members of the public are strongly urged to avoid all non-essential travel outside Hong Kong.
"The CHP also strongly urges the public to maintain at all times strict personal and environmental hygiene, which is key to personal protection against infection and prevention of the spread of the disease in the community. On a personal level, members of the public should wear a surgical mask when having respiratory symptoms, taking public transport or staying in crowded places. They should also perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes.
"As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly, regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps) and cover all floor drain outlets when they are not in use. After using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs."
Moreover, the Government has launched the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (
www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for announcing the latest updates on various news on COVID-19 infection and health advice to help the public understand the latest updates. Members of the public may also gain access to information via the COVID-19 WhatsApp Helpline launched by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer. Simply by saving 9617 1823 in their phone contacts or clicking the link wa.me/85296171823?text=hi, they will be able to obtain information on COVID-19 as well as the "StayHomeSafe" mobile app and wristband via WhatsApp...
...Ends/Monday, July 27, 2020
Issued at HKT 23:30
