The Director of Health, Dr Constance Chan, today (September 1) inspected the community testing centre set up at Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Wan Chai to learn about its operation on the first day of the Universal Community Testing Programme (UCTP). She also participated in the UCTP and had her samples taken on-site.

     The Government today launched the UCTP to provide a one-off free testing service for the public in 141 community testing centres. One of the community testing centres is set up at Queen Elizabeth Stadium. The centre's overall operation is led by dental and nursing staff from the Department of Health (DH).

     Accompanied by the Consultant in-charge, Dental Services of the DH, Dr Wiley Lam, and the Principal Nursing Officer of the DH, Dr Mary Foong, Dr Chan paid a visit to the centre on its first day of officially providing services. They viewed the rigorous testing workflow and arrangements, as well as the collaboration among staff in different positions. Dr Chan, Dr Lam and Dr Foong also had their combined nasal and throat swabs collected by colleagues on-site for testing.

     Dr Chan chatted with colleagues on duty at the centre to know more about their work. She expressed support and gratitude to colleagues for their dedication, professionalism and active participation, which has facilitated the programme's smooth operation and contributed to the prevention and control of COVID-19.

     Dr Chan appealed to members of the public to participate in the UCTP so that asymptomatic patients carrying the virus can be identified as early as possible and the virus transmission chain can be cut as soon as possible.
 

        

     The Government today (September 1) launched the Universal Community Testing Programme (UCTP) to identify asymptomatic COVID-19 patients in the community. Initially scheduled to run for seven days, the UCTP has been open for online appointments since August 29. The Government will provide a one-off free testing service for members of the public at community testing centres in all districts across the territory. Since certain areas in the Islands District are located far from the community testing centres, the Government will make special arrangements under the UCTP for residents in those areas. From September 5 to 14, trained personnel for taking samples will collect the combined nasal and throat swabs of residents at designated locations for laboratory testing. Details are as follows:
 

 
*Except for Heritage and Cultural Showroom, Lamma Island, and South Lantao Rural Committee, which will be closed for cleaning and disinfection from 1.30pm to 2pm, all locations will be closed for cleaning and disinfection from 1.30pm to 2.30pm.
 
     Persons interested in participating in the programme above can make reservations on www.communitytest.gov.hk.
      
     In addition, considering that certain areas in the Islands District are situated at remote locations with limited accessibility, the Government will arrange deep throat saliva tests for residents of those areas from September 4 to 10.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has announced that as of 0.00am, September 1, the CHP was investigating 12 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 4 823 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 4 822 confirmed cases and one probable case).

     Among the newly reported cases announced, three had a travel history during the incubation period.

     The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. For case details and contact tracing information, please see the Annex or the list of buildings with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and the latest local situation of COVID-19 available on the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk).

     In view of the severe epidemic situation, the CHP called on members of the public to avoid going out, having social contact and dining out. They should put on a surgical mask and maintain stringent hand hygiene when they need to go out. As a number of recent cases involve elderly people, the CHP strongly urged the elderly to stay home as far as possible and avoid going out. They should consider asking their family and friends to help with everyday 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.

     To prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infections, members of the public should always maintain good personal and environmental hygiene. They are advised to:

• Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, after touching public installations such as handrails or doorknobs, or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
• Maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly (about once a week) pour about half a litre of water into each drain outlet (U-trap) to ensure environmental hygiene;
• Cover all floor drain outlets when they are not in use;
• After using the toilet, put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, performing hand hygiene with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub is an effective alternative;
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly; and
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending class at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     As at 9am today (September 1), 38 COVID-19 confirmed patients were discharged from hospital in the last 24 hours. So far, a total of 4 380 patients with confirmed or probable infections have been discharged.
 
     At present, there are 675 negative pressure rooms in public hospitals with 1 208 negative pressure beds activated. A total of 313 confirmed patients are currently hospitalised in 18 public hospitals and a community treatment facility, among which 25 patients are in critical condition, 29 are in serious condition and the remaining 259 patients are in stable condition.
 
     Moreover, a 66-year-old female patient confirmed with COVID-19 infection (case number: 2989) passed away at Tuen Mun Hospital today. The patient with chronic disease was admitted to TMH on July 28 due to a sore throat, fever and cough. Her condition continued to deteriorate and she eventually succumbed at 2.48pm today. Including this case, a total of 90 COVID-19 confirmed patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.
 
     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. 
 
     Details of the above-mentioned patients are as follows:
 

     A man was fined $8,000 at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts today (September 1) for contravening the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance.
           
     The courts heard that in November last year, officers of the Office of the Licensing Authority (OLA), the Home Affairs Department, inspected a suspected unlicensed guesthouse on Lockhart Road in Wan Chai. During the inspection, the OLA officers posed as lodgers and successfully rented a room in the guesthouse on a daily basis.
           
     According to the OLA's records, the guesthouse did not possess a licence under the Ordinance on the day of inspection. The man responsible for managing the premises was charged with contravening section 5(1) of the Ordinance.
           
     A department spokesman stressed that operating or managing an unlicensed guesthouse is a criminal offence and can lead to a criminal record. Upon conviction, the offender is liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and two years' imprisonment.
                
     The spokesman appealed to anyone with information about suspected unlicensed guesthouses to report it to the OLA through the hotline (Tel: 2881 7498), by email (hadlaenq@had.gov.hk), by fax (2504 5805) using the report form downloaded from the OLA website (www.hadla.gov.hk), or through the mobile application "Hong Kong Licensed Hotels and Guesthouses".