The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 0.00am, January 31, the CHP was investigating 53 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 10 453 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 10 452 confirmed cases and one probable case).
 
     Among the newly reported cases announced, nine are imported cases.
 
     A total of 897 cases have been recorded in the past 14 days (January 17 to 30), including 854 local cases of which 339 are from unknown sources.
 
     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 public are also urged to seek medical attention early if symptoms develop.
 
     Regarding the severe epidemic situation, 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, 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 Department of Health (DH) today (January 31) said that a T-contract staff member working in its MacLehose Dental Centre in Wan Chai has preliminarily tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

     The staff member is a contract system analyst who last performed duties on January 26. His body temperature was normal when undergoing temperature screening during work. He wore a surgical mask while performing duties and did not have contact with members of the public. He also properly maintained social distancing with people he contacted.

     As his household contact was confirmed with COVID-19 infection, he was transferred to quarantine centre on January 28 and subsequently developed symptoms on January 30. The preliminary test result today was positive.

     The Centre for Health Protection has immediately commenced epidemiological investigations and conducted contact tracing on the case so as to identify and trace relevant close contacts. The DH has arranged COVID-19 testing for all relevant individuals and will arrange them to work from home until their testing results are available. The DH will also arrange thorough cleaning and disinfection on the concerned office floor.

     The DH is highly concerned about the COVID-19 situation and has been strictly implementing various disease prevention measures during the epidemic, which include providing employees with masks and other protective equipment, stepping up the cleaning and sanitising measures of the working environment, and reminding all staff members again to maintain personal hygiene and be vigilant at all times.

     The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, accompanied by the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, visited the Hong Kong Police Force this afternoon (January 31) to learn more about its recent situation, and met with the police officers who were injured earlier while handling the illegal violent incidents to give them her regards. The Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (CPGLO), Mr Luo Huining, was also there to express his regards. The Deputy Director of the CPGLO, Mr Yang Jianping; and the Director-General of the Police Liaison Department of the CPGLO, Mr Chen Feng, were present.

     Accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Tang Ping-keung, Mrs Lam and the officials visited the Police Headquarters in Wan Chai and the Tsim Sha Tsui Police Station, where they met with over 100 police officers in total to know more about their work. Noting that police officers have done a large amount of work over the past year, ranging from curbing violence to fighting the epidemic, she said that their work deserves full recognition. In particular, following the implementation of the National Security Law on June 30, 2020, the Police Force has shouldered the vital and honourable responsibility of safeguarding national security. On the unreasonable sanctions by the United States administration against a number of colleagues of the Police, who are charged with the duty to safeguard national security, Mrs Lam conveyed to colleagues the warm regards from President Xi Jinping expressed during her reporting of work last week.

     The Police Force has taken an active part in the prevention and control of the epidemic, including assisting the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health in tracing close contacts with the Major Incident Investigation and Disaster Support System. Mrs Lam and the officials visited the relevant office and learned that the system has to date helped with the investigation of 65 cases or clusters, and has identified more than 28 000 contacts. The Police Force also deployed a large number of officers from different police districts to support the operations on compulsory testing at specified "restricted areas" in various districts in recent days.

     The police officers who met with Mrs Lam included some who were injured when handling the illegal and violent incidents earlier. Praising them for their bravery in the face of violence, Mrs Lam expressed her regards and wished them a speedy and full recovery. Among the recipients of honours and awards in 2020, more than 100 of them  were members of the Police Force.

     "The reputation of the Police Force was seriously tarnished during the social unrest. I am pleased to note that the Force has been enhancing the public’s understanding of the work of the Police to restore people's confidence in the Force through various means in recent months. With the restoration of stability in society and commitment of police officers on the frontline to protect the safety and health of members of the public, I am sure that the Force will have the support of the general public," Mrs Lam said.
      
     Mrs Lam also took the opportunity to thank the CPGLO for its long-standing support for the work of the Force, and wished everyone at the event a healthy and happy Year of the Ox.

        

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     As at 9am today (January 31), 61 COVID-19 confirmed patients were discharged from hospital in the last 24 hours. So far, a total of 9 423 patients with confirmed or probable infection have been discharged.
 
     At present, there are 672 negative pressure rooms in public hospitals with 1 220 negative pressure beds activated. A total of 765 confirmed patients are currently hospitalised in 22 public hospitals and a community treatment facility, among which 28 patients are in critical condition, 38 are in serious condition and the remaining 699 patients are in stable condition.
 
     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.
 
     Details of the above-mentioned patients are as follows:
 

     A property owner was convicted and fined about $180,000 at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts this month for persistently failing to comply with three removal orders issued under the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123) (BO).
 
     The orders involved three unauthorised rooftop structures at an industrial building at Kin Tai Street, Tuen Mun, New Territories with a total area of about 460 square metres and an unauthorised opening in the roof slab.

     As the above unauthorised building works (UBWs) were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), removal orders were served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO.

     Failing to comply with the removal orders, the owner has been prosecuted by the BD three times and fined about $90,000 in total upon conviction at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts. However, the owner persisted in not complying with the orders and the BD instigated prosecution against the owner for the fourth time. The owner was convicted again and heavily fined $179,200 in total on January 15.

     "UBWs may adversely affect the structural and fire safety of a building, leading to serious consequences. Owners must comply with the removal orders without further delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement action against owners who have failed to comply with the removal orders (including instigation of prosecution) so as to achieve a deterrent effect," a spokesman for the BD said today (January 31).
 
     Pursuant to section 40(1BA) of the BO, any person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with the removal order served on him or her under section 24(1) of the BO commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $200,000 and to imprisonment for one year, as well as a further fine of $20,000 for each day that the offence has continued.