The Food and Health Bureau (FHB) announced today (April 23) the launching of the Special Chinese Medicine (CM) Out-patient Programme in the Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Training and Research Centre (CMCTR) tomorrow (April 24), which will provide free CM outpatient rehabilitation service to discharged persons who have received COVID-19 treatment.
 
     The Government has all along been committed to promoting the development of CM in Hong Kong and has incorporated CM into the healthcare system in Hong Kong. The CMCTR operates on a tripartite collaboration model involving the Hospital Authority (HA), a non-governmental organisation and a local university. The service not only provides an alternative rehabilitation treatment for COVID-19-discharged patients, but also fosters the integration of CM and Western medicine and the development of related CM clinical studies.
 
     The CMCTR providing the aforementioned service will provide a maximum of 10 free CM general consultations within six months from the discharge date of the patients, with no more than five doses of CM prescribed per visit according to their clinical needs (acupuncture, bone-setting (Tui-na) and other treatments are not included in this special rehabilitation programme). Patients will be given a letter with information and enrollment details of the Programme upon their discharge. Participation in the Programme is voluntary. Patients who wish to participate in the Programme should call the CMCTR to make an appointment and bring the letter as well as relevant documents to the CMCTR for the free CM consultations.
 
     "The Special Chinese Medicine Out-patient Programme provides COVID-19-discharged patients with an alternative rehabilitation treatment, while enabling the CM industry to assume a more active role in our anti-epidemic work. The Government has all along been maintaining close liaisons with the CM industry, providing them with updated information and guidelines on combating the epidemic such that we may make concerted efforts in the prevention and control of COVID-19. In the long run, the role of CM in the healthcare system in Hong Kong will be enhanced. We would further strengthen training for CM practitioners and improve the ability of the industry in handling public health issues through the Chinese Medicine Development Fund, the CMCTRs in each of the 18 districts and the network of the future Chinese Medicine Hospital so that the strengths of CM will be given full play with a view to better protecting public health," a spokesman for the FHB said.
 
     For details, please contact the Chinese Medicine Department of the HA at 2794 3068.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has announced that as of 4pm today (April 23), the CHP was investigating two additional confirmed cases of COVID-19, taking the number of cases to 1 036 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 1 035 confirmed cases and one probable case).

     The newly reported cases announced today involve two males aged 27 and 58 respectively. Both of them 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.
 
     The CHP urged members of the public to maintain an appropriate social distance with other people as far as possible in their daily lives. 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 the 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."

     The CHP will report the cases to the World Health Organization, the National Health Commission, the Health Commission of Guangdong Province, relevant health authorities and the Hospital Authority.
 
     The CHP has set up hotlines (2125 1111 and 2125 1122), which operate from 8am to midnight daily, for public enquiries. As at 4pm today, a total of 97 589 calls had been received.
 
     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.
 
     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 door knobs, 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 noon today (April 23), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 25 patients (16 male and nine female, aged 6 months to 86) in the past 24 hours who met the reporting criteria of COVID-19. Appropriate tests have been arranged for the patients.
 
     There are 353 patients under isolation currently. So far, 699 patients who had COVID-19 confirmed or probable infection have been discharged upon recovery.
 
     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.
 

     A man who went missing in Chai Wan has been located.

     Lin Dunyao, aged 69, went missing after he left his residence on Sau Kei Wan Road, Sai Wan Ho on April 20 morning. His family made a report to Police on the same day.

     The man was located in a hospital on Lok Man Road, Chai Wan this morning (April 23). No suspicious circumstances were detected.

     Sha Tin Police District yesterday (April 22) concluded a two-day traffic enforcement operation against illegal parking in Sha Tin, Tin Sum and Ma On Shan police divisions.   

     The operation targeted to combat double parking, loading, unloading or waiting at restricted zones, and obstruction of emergency vehicular accesses. During the operation, a total of 3,041 fixed penalty tickets were issued.

     Sha Tin Police District will continue to step up enforcement actions, targeting at drivers who have contravened illegal parking regulations, obstructed traffic flow or caused danger to other road users, with a view to ensuring smooth traffic flow and safety of the public. The District will also raise the awareness of road safety through publicity and education.