The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) has announced that as of 0.00am, August 9, the CHP was investigating 72 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 4 080 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 4 079 confirmed cases and one probable case).
    
     Among the newly reported cases announced, nine 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).
 
     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 infection, 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:

     The spokesperson for the Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) today (August 9) announced that an 86-year-old male patient confirmed with COVID-19 infection (case no. 2131) passed away today.
      
     The patient was a close contact of a confirmed case. He was admitted on July 23 after he had been tested positive for COVID-19 during quarantine. The patient had hypertension and had suffered from heart disease. He had low-grade fever upon admission. His condition had been deteriorating subsequently and he eventually succumbed at 4.43pm today.
      
     The Hospital is saddened by the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to his family members.
      
     Including the above case, 52 COVID-19 patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.
 

     In view of the severe COVID-19 epidemic situation, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has, in two consecutive days on this Saturday and Sunday (August 8 and 9), stepped up patrols in venues under its purview to call upon venue users to comply with the regulations on the prohibition of group gatherings and mask-wearing requirement in public places.

     The LCSD spokesman added that staff from the department distributed promotional leaflets during patrols, as well as through venue broadcast and notices, to call upon foreign domestic helpers in particular to comply with the regulations on the prohibition of group gatherings of more than two persons and mask-wearing requirement in public places. Joint operations were also conducted with the Labour Department and the Police.

     The LCSD staff, over the weekend, have conducted about 3 000 inspections with over 5 000 verbal reminders given. 

     The spokesman reminded the public that according to the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G), the number of persons currently allowed in group gatherings in public places is two. In addition, pursuant to the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I), a person must wear a mask at all times when the person is entering or present in a public place.

      

     The Housing Department today (August 9) learned that a female security guard employed by its car park contractor was tested positive for COVID-19. The concerned security guard works at Fu Keung Court car park in Wong Tai Sin. She is now staying at hospital for treatment.
      
     The security guard works at night shift, and is responsible for patrolling and handling enquiries in the shroff office. She last performed duties on August 5.
      
     She has no recent travel history. She has been wearing a face mask and observing relevant disease prevention measures at work. When performing duties, she has been undergoing temperature checks and her body temperature was normal.
      
     The whole car park building including the shroff office and the roof top garden has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected in accordance with the guidelines of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP).

     The Housing Department will continue to keep close liaison with the CHP and co-operate with its quarantine work.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     As at 9am today (August 9), 92 COVID-19 confirmed patients were discharged from hospital. So far, a total of 2 847 patients with confirmed or probable infection have been discharged after the adjustment.
      
     At present, there are 683 negative pressure rooms in public hospitals with 1 245 negative pressure beds activated. A total of 1 041 confirmed patients are currently hospitalised in 19 public hospitals and a community isolation facility, among which 41 patients are in critical condition, 59 are in serious condition and the remaining 941 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: