The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority: The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), annou… read more
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, today (March 2) visited the quarantine centre at Chun Yeung Estate to observe its operation and inspected the quarantine preparatory arrangements for Hong Kong residents returning to Hong Kong from Wuhan soon.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for Food and Health (Food), Mr Philip Yung, and Deputy Secretary for Food and Health (Food), Mr Daniel Cheng, Mr Cheung received a briefing from front-line staff of relevant government departments and Civil Aid Service on the meals arrangement for people undergoing quarantine. He expressed gratitude to all staff stationed at the centre for their dedication to serve round the clock at the forefront of the anti-epidemic battle.
He then visited Block Two to inspect the readiness of the quarantine units and was pleased to note that all units were ready for use by people required to undergo quarantine requirement, including Hong Kong residents returning from Wuhan by Government’s chartered flights.
He expressed warmest appreciation to Department of Health, Hong Kong Police Force, Civil Aid Service, Home Affairs Department, Housing Department, Social Welfare Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Office of the Government Chief Information Officer and Government Logistics Department for their relentless efforts in completing the preparatory work for numerous units within such a short period to meet the needs in this fight against the epidemic, making significant contribution to public health.
Mr Cheung stressed that the epidemic is still severe and appealed to all sectors of society for solidarity and unity in the fight against the disease. read more
Overall law and order situation in Hong Kong ================================== 1. Overall situation The overall number of crimes reported in 2019 was 59,225 cases, representing an increase of 5,000 cases (+9.2%) wh… read more
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: As at noon today (March 2), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 55 patients (23 male and 32 female, aged four to 101) in the past… read more
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 2) reported the latest number of cases of Legionnaires’ disease (LD), and stressed the importance of using and maintaining properly designed man-made water systems, adding that susceptible groups should strictly observe relevant precautions.
From February 23 to 29, one community-acquired LD case was reported, involving a male patient, aged 48 with underlying illnesses.
“Epidemiological investigations are ongoing to identify potential sources of infection, high-risk exposures and clusters, if any,” a spokesman for the CHP said.
As of February 29 this year, 27 LD cases had been reported. In 2019 and 2018, there were 105 cases each year.
“Men, people aged over 50, smokers, alcoholics and persons with weakened immunity are more susceptible to LD. Some situations may also increase the risk of infection including poor maintenance of water systems leading to stagnant water; living in areas with old water systems, cooling towers or fountains; using electric water heaters, whirlpools and spas or hot water spring spas; and recent stays in hotels or vessels,” the spokesman said.
Legionellae are found in various environmental settings and grow well in warm water (20 to 45 degrees Celsius). They can be found in aqueous environments such as water tanks, hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, whirlpools and spas, water fountains and home apparatus which support breathing. People may become infected when they breathe in contaminated droplets (aerosols) and mist generated by artificial water systems, or when handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes.
Immunocompromised persons should:
• Use sterile or boiled water for drinking, tooth brushing and mouth rinsing;
• Avoid using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices. A shower may also generate small aerosols; and
• If using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices, fill the water tank with only sterile or cooled freshly boiled water, and not water directly from the tap. Also, clean and maintain humidifiers/devices regularly according to manufacturers’ instructions. Never leave stagnant water in a humidifier/device. Empty the water tank, wipe all surfaces dry, and change the water daily.
The public should observe the health advice below:
• Observe personal hygiene;
• Do not smoke and avoid alcohol consumption;
• Strainers in water taps and shower heads should be inspected, cleaned, descaled and disinfected regularly or at a frequency recommended by the manufacturer;
• If a fresh-water plumbing system is properly maintained, it is not necessary to install domestic water filters. Use of water filters is not encouraged as clogging occurs easily, which can promote growth of micro-organisms. In case water filters are used, the pore size should be 0.2 micrometres (µm) and the filter needs to be changed periodically according to the manufacturer’s recommendations;
• Drain and clean water tanks of buildings at least quarterly;
• Drain or purge for at least one minute infrequently used water outlets (e.g. water taps, shower heads and hot water outlets) and stagnant points of the pipework weekly or before use;
• Seek and follow doctors’ professional advice regarding the use and maintenance of home respiratory devices and use only sterile water (not distilled or tap water) to clean and fill the reservoir. Clean and maintain the device regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After cleaning/disinfection, rinse the device with sterile water, cooled freshly boiled water or water filtered with 0.2 µm filters. Never leave stagnant water in the device. Empty the water tank, keep all surfaces dry, and change the water daily; and
• When handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes:
1. Wear gloves and a face mask;
2. Water gardens and compost gently using low pressure;
3. Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face;
4. Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants; and
5. Avoid working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses.
The public may visit the CHP’s LD page, the Code of Practice for Prevention of LD and the Housekeeping Guidelines for Cold and Hot Water Systems for Building Management of the Prevention of LD Committee, and the CHP’s risk-based strategy for prevention and control of LD. read more