CHP follows up on six cases tested positive and two cases tested preliminarily positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus at Tung Moon House of Tai Hang Tung Estate in Sham Shui Po

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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 18) said as six cases tested positive (cases 13045, 13064, 13067, 13069, 13070 and 13071) and two cases tested preliminarily positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus recently occurring at Tung Moon House, Tai Hang Tung Estate, Sham Shui Po, which involved units 14 on two different floors, the CHP is proactively following up to investigate whether the infections of the cases that tested preliminarily positive are related to the cases that tested positive earlier, so as to stop the potential risk of further spread of the virus.

     In view of case 13045 who tested positive earlier and resides at a unit 14 of Tung Moon House, Tai Hang Tung Estate, Sham Shui Po, the Government made a "restriction-testing declaration" for the building on January 15 and no case that tested positive was found. Five family members of case 13045 living together (cases 13064, 13067, 13069, 13070 and 13071) who were sent to a quarantine centre on the same day, tested positive subsequently. The CHP has found another two cases who tested preliminarily positive today involving a 42-year-old female resident (a housewife who is asymptomatic) and a 3-year-old girl (developed fever on January 16) in unit 14 on another floor of the building. They undergo testing in accordance with the relevant compulsory testing requirement.

     The CHP has co-ordinated with related government departments and experts and conducted a site inspection today of the floors and units concerned at Tung Moon House, Tai Hang Tung Estate to investigate and examine if environmental factors were involved in the infection of the two cases who tested preliminarily positive. The CHP took into account the opinions from experts and decided to carry out prudent measures on infection control. The DH will issue quarantine orders to asymptomatic residents of unit 14 on 1/F to 11/F of Tung Moon House, Tai Hang Tung Estate who lived there during the incubation period of the relevant cases and transfer them to a quarantine facility; symptomatic residents will be sent to the hospital for treatment. A total of 19 environmental samples were collected from the relevant units with the test results pending.

     The CHP reminded members of the public to ensure household environmental hygiene by maintaining drainage pipes properly and regularly (about once a week) by pouring about half a litre of water into each drain outlet (U-trap). They should also pay attention to hygiene when using the toilet by putting the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs.

     In light of the case that tested positive earlier, persons who resided or worked within the same building as the residence of the relevant cases will be subject to compulsory testing on specified dates in accordance with the announcement by the DH. They will also be required to undergo self-monitoring until the 21st day (see the details of the buildings and dates of testing at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/CTN_Specified_premises_and_Dates_of_Testing.pdf).

     The CHP strongly reminded members of the public to strictly follow the compulsory testing requirements and undergo the multiple tests on time as required. The compulsory testing requirement applies to those who have completed a COVID-19 vaccination course as well. The Government will seriously verify whether they have complied with the testing notices. Any person who fails to comply with the testing notices commits an offence and may be fined a fixed penalty of $5,000. The person would also be issued with a compulsory testing order requiring him or her to undergo testing within a specified time frame. Failure to comply with the order is an offence and the offender would be liable to a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and imprisonment for six months. Relevant officers of different government departments are empowered to perform certain functions under the relevant Regulations under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599), including requesting individuals to provide information and assistance when necessary. Any person who fails to comply with the relevant request commits an offence and would be liable to a fine at level 3 ($10,000). The Government reiterates that the aim of issuing a compulsory testing notice is to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community as soon as possible to protect overall public health and safety.

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