The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has announced that as of 4pm today (June 14), no new local confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had been recorded, and that the number of cases in Hong Kong remained at 1 110 so far (comprising 1 109 confirmed cases and one probable case).

     Meanwhile, the CHP has been actively conducting epidemiological investigation as well as carrying out preventive and control measures in regard to the cluster in Luk Chuen House. The CHP yesterday (June 13) conducted an inspection at Luk Chuen House with relevant departments and experts. Environmental samples from the flat (including the toilet and kitchen) of the patient of the 1110th case and vent pipe on the rooftop of Luk Chuen House were taken. All environmental samples were tested negative for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. 

     The CHP yesterday and today are giving out another specimen bottle to residents of Luk Chuen House through the Housing Department for collecting deep throat saliva samples for the second COVID-19 testing. The CHP strongly appeals to and urges them to collect their deep throat saliva samples according to instructions and submit them to the CHP in the specified period (June 15 to 17) for early testing. The CHP will arrange compulsory testing for those who do not return their samples.

     The CHP will also arrange the second COVID-19 testing for residents of the "10" and "12" units of Luk Chuen House who are under quarantine at quarantine centre before the completion of their 14-day quarantine.

     The CHP again urged members of the public to maintain an appropriate social distance with other people as far as possible in their daily lives to minimise the risk of infection. In particular, they should go out less and avoid social activities such as meal gatherings or other gatherings to reduce the chance of contacting infected persons who may not present any symptoms, and minimise the risk of outbreak clusters emerging in the community.

     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 Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene has ordered a fresh provision shop in Kwun Tong to suspend business for 14 days as the operator repeatedly breached the Food Business Regulation (FBR) by extending the business area illegally.
 
     The shop, located on the ground floor (rear portion) at 86 Shui Wo Street, Kwun Tong, was ordered to suspend business from today (June 14) to June 27.
 
     "In October and November 2018, two convictions for the above-mentioned breach were recorded against the shop. A total fine of $2,000 was levied by the court and 30 demerit points were registered against the licensee under the department's demerit points system. The contraventions resulted in the 14-day licence suspension," a spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said.

     The licensee of the shop had a record of two convictions for the same offence in October 2018. A total fine of $2,000 was levied and 30 demerit points were also registered. The breaches led to a licence suspension for seven days in December 2018.
 
     The spokesman reminded the licensees of food premises to comply with the FBR or their licences could be suspended or cancelled.
 
     Licensed food premises are required to exhibit a sign, at a conspicuous place near the main entrance, indicating that the premises have been licensed. A list of licensed food premises is available on the FEHD's website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/index.html).

     Dr Janet Wong will assume the post of District Officer (Sha Tin) tomorrow (June 15), succeeding Miss Amy Chan.

     Dr Wong joined the Administrative Service in 2002. She has served in various bureaux and departments including the University Grants Committee Secretariat; the former Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau; the Home Affairs Bureau; the Transport and Housing Bureau; the Security Bureau; the Chief Secretary for Administration's Office; the former Central Policy Unit; and the Development Bureau. 

     She was the Principal Assistant Secretary (Works) of the Development Bureau before taking up the new post.

  

     The Transport Department (TD) said today (June 14) that in view of the class resumption of Kindergarten Three to Primary Three tomorrow (June 15), students are reminded to attend school early as traffic is expected to be busier than normal.
 
     Drivers of nanny vans and school buses are reminded to pay attention to safety when serving young schoolchildren. They should not leave the students in vehicles unattended. Parents should agree well in advance with schools and operators of nanny vans or school buses on the locations for picking up and dropping off their children.
 
     In the meantime, the arrangements for Secondary Three to Five cross-boundary students (CBS) to resume classes in Hong Kong will start tomorrow. The HKSAR Government and the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government will introduce special arrangements at two boundary control points during designated periods from Monday to Friday to assist CBS to attend classes in Hong Kong via either Shenzhen Bay Control Point or Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point (Futian Port in Shenzhen). CBS will travel by school buses between Shenzhen Bay Control Point or Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and schools. The TD has reserved adequate lay-bys for school buses and will closely monitor the traffic conditions at the control points.

     The TD's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will closely monitor the traffic situation and public transport services. It will also maintain close liaison with major public transport operators and relevant government departments and arrange public transport service enhancements when necessary.
 
     Students and members of the public are advised to pay attention to the latest transport and traffic news before leaving home and allow more travelling time.

     The Labour Department (LD) is investigating a work accident in Tsing Yi this morning (June 14) in which ten workers sustained injuries.

     The LD immediately deployed staff to the scene upon receiving a report of the accident, and is now conducting an investigation to look into its cause.