Tag Archives: China

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 0.00am, May 4, the CHP was investigating four additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 11 791 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 11 790 confirmed cases and one probable case).

     Among the newly reported cases announced, three are imported cases and one is a possibly local case with unknown sources.

     The possibly local case with unknown sources is a 48-year-old woman (case number: 11791) involving N501Y mutant strain. As N501Y mutant strain is with high transmissibility, the CHP decided to carry out prudent measures on infection control and prevention to stop the potential risk of spread of N501Y mutant strain. The CHP will, in accordance with the Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation (Cap. 599A), transfer asymptomatic residents of all units on all floors of the building (involving over 220 units) where the patient resided (Block R, Allway Gardens, Tsuen Wan) to quarantine centres ; symptomatic residents will be sent to the hospital for treatment. They will undergo compulsory quarantine for 21 days.

     Following extensive contact tracing investigations, the CHP today confirmed further details of the itinerary of Case number 11643 and 11672 on April 10 and 11. In addition to the restaurant, Curry Lounge, in SeaView Crescent, Tung Chung announced earlier, the patients also visited Citygate, Novotel Citygate Hong Kong and restaurant, Zaks, at Discovery Bay. The CHP will request the relevant persons to undergo a compulsory testing in accordance with the latest information.

     A total of 91 cases have been reported in the past 14 days (April 20 to May 3), including 19 local cases of which 10 are from unknown sources.

     Meanwhile, regarding a notification on May 2 by the Singaporean health authority on a confirmed case of COVID-19 suspected to be imported from Hong Kong, the CHP’s epidemiological investigations revealed that the case involving a 44-year-old male Singaporean patient. According to the patient, he was tested positive for COVID-19 during his stay in the United Arab Emirates in late February this year. The patient is still in Singapore. According to the latest information from the Singaporean health authority, the patient had a relatively low viral load (Ct value of 40) and the testing result of his blood sample collected on May 2 was positive for antibody test, which is basically compatible to the result of blood analysis for recovered patients of COVID-19.

     In addition, the CHP today concluded a number of COVID-19 confirmed and preliminary positive cases announced earlier, which were suspected to be associated with testing sample contamination incident of BGI.

     The CHP said that the Centre has all along been carrying out investigation on the source of infections of confirmed cases 11701 and 11702. The CHP has sent the samples of the two cases to the University of Hong Kong for genetic analysis earlier on. The latest analysis result revealed that the two cases carried different local circulating strains, which are similar to the strains seen in the local fourth wave epidemic, hence the CHP considered that they are both locally acquired infections. There is no evidence that the samples of the cases have been contaminated in laboratory for now. The latest case classification of the two cases are both local cases.

     Separately, for the abnormality observed in the preliminary positive results of COVID-19 testing conducted by BGI last month, among the 30 preliminary positive cases announced at that time, two of them were confirmed cases announced on April 23 (Cases 11722 and 11728), one case was a confirmed case announced on April 25 (Case 11732), final test result of one case was indeterminate, while remaining 26 cases were tested again with negative PCR results in hospitals and were classified as false positive.

     Meanwhile, regarding a preliminary positive case involving a kindergarten teacher announced by the CHP on April 17, the CHP already elaborated on the matter in a press release on April 19. Her sample was tested by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the DH and the result was indeterminate. She has undergone further tests after admitted to a hospital and the result was negative. She was also tested negative for COVID-19 antibody. As such, the case has not been classified as a confirmed case.

     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).

     Meanwhile, the CHP reminded those who had visited specified venues under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) to receive COVID-19 nucleic acid testing according to the compulsory testing notice. The Regulation also requires all household members of close contacts of confirmed cases to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test within a specified period according to compulsory testing notices published in the Gazette. The public are also urged to seek medical attention early if symptoms develop and undergo testing as soon as possible.

     The Government has launched the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. Members of the public are encouraged to get vaccinated. Details of the programme can be found at the designated website (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk).

     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. 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.

     The spokesman 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 and regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps). 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;
• 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.
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     The Government announced today (May 4) the continued suspension of passenger flights from India, Nepal, Pakistan, and the Philippines, and the continued restriction on persons who have stayed in India, Nepal, Pakistan, the… read more

     The Expert Committee on Clinical Events Assessment Following COVID-19 Immunisation (Expert Committee) convened a meeting today (May 4) to assess serious adverse events relating to COVID-19 vaccination.
 
     The Department of Health (DH) has been closely monitoring possible adverse events following COVID-19 immunisation. Based on the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), the DH enhanced the existing surveillance system and carried out active surveillance. Under the surveillance system, the DH monitors Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFIs) and encourages and receives from healthcare providers and pharmaceutical industry AEFI reports of COVID-19 immunisation in Hong Kong. The DH also partners with the University of Hong Kong (HKU) to conduct an active surveillance programme for Adverse Events of Special Interest under the COVID-19 Vaccines Adverse Events Response and Evaluation Programme (CARE Programme) for provision of data on the safety profile of the COVID-19 vaccines via big data analysis and scientific studies.
 
     According to reporting criteria of AEFIs endorsed by the Expert Committee, when there are obvious medical causes (including clinical diagnosis and pathology reports) for certain clinical events including death cases, the healthcare professionals may consider the event not fulfilling the criteria for reporting as AEFIs. On the other hand, under the CARE Programme, the DH and the Hospital Authority (HA) have set up mechanism to refer death cases not fulfilling reporting criteria of AEFIs to HKU for surveillance and analysis. The HKU would provide regular reports to the Expert Committee; if unusual pattern is detected, the DH will be notified and the information will be referred to the Expert Committee for assessment as soon as possible. In addition, according to the risk communication plan endorsed by the Expert Committee, figures and summary of clinical events received will be released and updated through the designated website biweekly. When suspected adverse event fulfilling the reporting criteria of AEFIs involving death case within 14 days of vaccination is received, it will be announced as soon as possible. An updated report (as at May 2) will be uploaded on May 7.
 
     Between April 19 and May 2, 2021, the DH had received eight death reports with history of COVID-19 immunisation from the HA and another Coroner’s case handled by public mortuary. These cases involved five males and four females aged from 43 to 76 years old. All the reports did not have clinical evidence to support the events were caused by vaccine. The Expert Committee assessed these nine death cases in today’s meeting (Annex).  Four cases had history of COVID-19 vaccination more than 14 days before they passed away, the Expert Committee concluded that two of these cases had no causal relationship with COVID-19 vaccination based on the assessment and diagnosis made by the attending doctor(s), and preliminary considered that the other two were not associated with vaccination. For the other five cases with history of vaccination within 14 days, the Expert Committee preliminary considered them not associated with COVID-19 vaccination based on clinical information and preliminary autopsy findings.
 
     In addition, the Expert Committee also concluded the causality assessment of two previous cases. The first case, first announced on March 7, involved an 80-year-old man who passed away on March 13. Full autopsy report indicated that the cause of death was acute myocardial infarction and ischaemic bowel, other investigation results did not reveal any possible immunological reactions due to vaccine. Based on the WHO algorithm, the Expert Committee concluded that there was no causal relationship between the deceased’s outcome and COVID-19 vaccination.  The second case, first announced on April 21, involved a 72-year-old man who passed away on April 16. Attending doctor(s) considered causes of death were haemodialysis catheter related sepsis and hyperkalaemia, and no clinical reason to suspect association with vaccine. The Expert Committee concluded that there was no causal relationship between the deceased’s outcome and COVID-19 vaccination.
 
     According to the local mortality data, in the period between February 26 and May 2 of 2019, among people aged 40 or above, there were 684 deaths (i.e. 16 per 100 000 population) and 1,154 deaths (i.e. 27 per 100 000 population) due to ischaemic heart diseases and heart disease respectively. The Expert Committee reviewed these data and considered there is no unusual pattern identified so far. The Expert Committee will continue to closely monitor the situation and collect data for assessment.
 
     Between April 19 and May 2, 2021, the DH had received 16 reports of suspected Bell’s palsy with history of COVID-19 vaccination. These cases involved 10 males and six females between 20 and 87 years old. Seven of these cases received CoronaVac vaccine and nine received Comirnaty vaccine. The Expert Committee reviewed available clinical data of these cases and considered that three cases requiring further clinical information before the assessment could be concluded.
 
     Bell’s palsy (acute peripheral facial paralysis) is a common neurologic disorder. Majority of the patients will have complete recovery even without treatment and early use of a short course of treatment within 3 days of symptoms onset will further enhance the recovery rate. According to the preliminary information collected by the HKU from HA, for people of 16-year-old or above, there were on average 65.7 new cases of Bell’s palsy recorded in the period from April 19 to May 2 of 2018, 2019 and 2020.
 
     The two COVID-19 vaccines authorised for use in Hong Kong have been rigorously evaluated by the Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines established under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Use of Vaccines) Regulation (Cap. 599K) that they are safe, effective and of good quality. Current scientific evidence indicates that the benefits of the two COVID-19 vaccines outweigh their risks for use as active immunisation to prevent COVID-19. The surveillance system put in place by the DH aims at identifying potential signals that may indicate association between unknown adverse events and the vaccines. If a signal is identified and confirmed, appropriate regulatory measures would be instituted. read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:      The spokesman for Pok Oi Hospital (POH) made the following appeal today (May 4) regarding a patient who left the hospital without notifying hospital staff: … read more

     At its meeting today (May 4), the Land and Development Advisory Committee (LDAC) was briefed by the Development Bureau (DEVB) on an application in Hung Hom under the “Scheme of Facilitating Provision of Pedestrian Links by the Private Sector”, and by the Planning Department (PlanD) on the proposal to sub‑divide certain commercial sites in the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area (HSK/HT NDA). 
      
     The “Scheme of Facilitating Provision of Pedestrian Links by the Private Sector” was introduced in 2017 to put in place a mechanism to evaluate the benefits of pedestrian links proposed by the private sector to facilitate consideration of whether land premium chargeable on the relevant lease modifications is justified to be waived. The current pedestrian link application involves a proposed footbridge connecting a redevelopment at 1 Cheong Tung Road to the existing elevated walkway network in Hung Hom which extends to Tsim Sha Tsui East via the Hung Hom MTR Station (location plan at Annex). The proposed pedestrian link will provide a 24-hour public passageway with barrier-free access that can facilitate people movement between Tsim Sha Tsui East and the northern part of Hung Hom, and is expected to serve a large population with enhanced pedestrian experience. Members considered that the proposed pedestrian link could benefit the community by improving the walkability in Hung Hom and providing pedestrians with a more direct, safe and comfortable walking environment. They were supportive of a premium waiver for the relevant lease modification arising from the application, and put forward a number of suggestions on the existing pedestrian network to further enhance pedestrian experience and accessibility. The DEVB will take into account the views of Members and work with the applicant and relevant government departments in taking forward the proposal.
      
     In HSK/HT NDA, two town centres are planned around the proposed HSK Station and the existing Tin Shui Wai Station with concentrated commercial developments. Currently, there are 21 commercial sites (including pure commercial and mixed commercial and residential developments) at the town centres as shown on the relevant Outline Development Plan (ODP), with an average size of about 1.4ha (ranging from 0.6 to 4.3ha each). The site delineation has taken into account the planning intention for commercial development of a certain scale and requirements for large-scale public facilities, e.g. public transport interchange (PTI). 
      
     The HSK/HT NDA will be implemented under the Enhanced Conventional New Town Approach. Under this approach, the Government intends to resume and clear all private land planned for developments, and dispose of the land planned for private developments in the market. Prior to land resumption, the Government may allow in-situ land exchange applications from land owners of sites planned for private developments as shown on the ODP, subject to specified criteria and conditions. In response to calls for greater flexibility to facilitate commercial developments of diversified scales and characteristics and to enable participation of developers of different sizes in the NDA development, the PlanD has reviewed the site sizes on the ODP for the purpose of considering land exchange applications and guiding disposal of those sites should the land be resumed eventually.  On the premise of maintaining a good planning for the town centres and ensuring the functionality of individual sites, nine out of the 21 commercial sites are proposed to be sub-divided into 18 smaller sites. After the sub-division, the 30 sites would have an average size of about 1ha (ranging from 0.6 to 2.35ha each, with two sites over 2ha each accommodating a PTI). 
      
     Commenting on the proposal, some Members suggested that in finalising the ODP, the PlanD should consider a number of factors, including the need for ensuring economies of scale and design flexibility notwithstanding the good intention of providing diversity in sizes and forms, the need to ensure utilisation efficiency of smaller sites by allowing alternative designs with for example additional ingress/egress points, and the need for flexibility to cope with evolving circumstances in the future. The PlanD will take into account Members’ comments in finalising the proposal. The revised ODP showing the revised site boundaries will be promulgated in due course to guide the future development for the NDA. read more