The Department of Health (DH) today (August 24) endorsed a licensed drug wholesaler, Suntol Medical Ltd (Suntol), to recall a metformin-containing product, Glucofit Film Coated Tablets 500mg (Hong Kong Registration Number: HK-64639), from the market as a precautionary measure due to the possible presence of an impurity in the product.

     The DH received notification from Suntol this afternoon that following the recall of Glucofit Extended-Release Tablets 500mg (Hong Kong Registration Number: HK-64640) on July 22 this year, the Taiwan manufacturer of the product decided to extend the recall to Glucofit Film Coated Tablets 500mg as a precautionary measure, as the product might contain an impurity of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).

      NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen based on results from laboratory tests and overseas drug regulatory authorities, which have been reviewing the safety impact of NDMA found in some medicinal products including metformin. The DH will closely monitor the development of the issue and any safety updates regarding the drug issued by overseas drug regulatory authorities for consideration of any action deemed necessary.

     The above product, containing metformin, is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. According to Suntol, the product has been supplied to local private doctors and pharmacies.

     Suntol has set up a hotline (2546 5699) to answer related enquiries.

     "So far, the DH has not received any adverse reaction reports in connection with the product. The DH will closely monitor the recall," a spokesman for the DH said.

     "Patients who are taking the above product should not stop taking the medicine, and should seek advice from their healthcare professionals as soon as possible for appropriate arrangements," the spokesman added.

  

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has announced that as of 0.00am, August 24, the CHP was investigating nine additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 4 692 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 4 691 confirmed cases and one probable case).

     Among the newly reported cases announced, two 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 (August 24), 34 COVID-19 confirmed patients were discharged from hospital in the last 24 hours. In the list of discharged patients released yesterday (August 23), the case number of one of the patients was given as 4399 mistakenly. The correct case number is 4396. A total of 4 052 patients with confirmed or probable infection have been discharged so far.

     At present, there are 682 negative pressure rooms in public hospitals with 1 239 negative pressure beds activated. A total of 526 confirmed patients are currently hospitalised in 19 public hospitals, a community isolation facility and a community treatment facility, among which 27 patients are in critical condition, 37 are in serious condition and the remaining 462 patients are in stable condition.

     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:
 

     Hong Kong Customs today (August 24) arrested a salesman of an employment agency company suspected of having applied false trade descriptions to the employment agency services supplied in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).

     Customs earlier received information alleging that a salesperson of an employment agency company had made false claims to customers in the sale of employment agency services. The salesperson claimed that the company had been granted an employment agency licence and that the employment agency services to customers would be supplied by the company. Upon initial investigation, it was revealed that both claims were contrary to the facts.

     After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers today arrested a 69-year-old man.

     An investigation is ongoing and the arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation.

     Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to procure services at reputable shops.

     Under the TDO, any trader who applies a false trade description to a service supplied to a consumer commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected violations of the TDO to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, today (August 24) attended the topping-out ceremony of the Disciplined Services Quarters for the Fire Services Department (FSD) at Pak Shing Kok, Tseung Kwan O, and witnessed the installation of the final Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) module atop the building structure. The quarters, built using a total of around 3 800 MiC modules, is the first high-rise building project constructed using concrete MiC in Hong Kong.

     Mr Chan said that the Government would continue encouraging the construction industry to adopt MiC through various measures. He hoped that this innovative construction method could be more widely used in public housing and hospital projects, with a view to taking forward these projects in a more cost-effective manner and expedite project delivery. 

     The Disciplined Services Quarters for the FSD at Pak Shing Kok, Tseung Kwan O, comprises five blocks of quarters of 16 to 17 storeys, providing 648 units in total. It is one of the pilot projects of the Government to promote the adoption of MiC.  

     Despite the impact of the epidemic, the project is expected to be completed about four months earlier than if conventional construction techniques were used. The duration of work and demand for workers on-site has been largely reduced with most labour-intensive and time-consuming processes accomplished in off-site factories, thereby enhancing productivity, quality control and site safety as well as substantially reducing building-site waste and environmental nuisances during construction.