The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 0.00am, January 29, the CHP was investigating 50 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 10 372 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 10 371 confirmed cases and one probable case).
 
     Among the newly reported cases announced, two are imported cases.
 
     A total of 907 cases have been recorded in the past 14 days (January 15 to 28), including 864 local cases of which 346 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 Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (January 29) released the latest grading of water quality for four gazetted beaches that are open all year round for swimming (see Note).

     Four beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1).
 
Grade 1 beaches are:           

     Under the present grading system, beaches are classified into four grades, namely Good (Grade 1), Fair (Grade 2), Poor (Grade 3) and Very Poor (Grade 4), according to the level of E. coli in the water. Grades are calculated on the basis of the geometric mean of the E. coli counts on the five most recent sampling occasions.

     A summary of beach grades is published weekly before the weekend. The latest beach grades based on the most current data may be obtained from the EPD's website on Beach Water Quality (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666.

Note: In view of the latest situation of COVID-19, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced that all gazetted beaches were closed from December 10, 2020, until further notice.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Tai Po Hospital made the following announcement today (January 29):
 
     Three patients (aged 67 to 84) in a male ward of the Department of Medicine and Geriatrics have been confirmed to be Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) carriers through screening since January 26. All of them are being treated under isolation with stable condition.
 
     The hospital infection control team has followed up with the department concerned and the Centre for Health Protection. The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted in the ward:

1. Enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures;
2. Applied stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients; and
3. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of the ward.
 
     The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the ward. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
 
     Details of the meetings of the Legislative Council (LegCo) and its Committees to be held in the LegCo Complex during the week from February 1 to 5 are available in the meeting schedule attached.
 
     The information in the meeting schedule is subject to change. Please refer to the LegCo Calendar on the LegCo Website (www.legco.gov.hk) for the latest details of meetings.
 
     Members of the public can watch or listen to the meetings, including meetings conducted by videoconferencing, via the Webcast system on the LegCo Website. To observe the proceedings of the meetings which are not conducted by videoconferencing at the LegCo Complex, members of the public may call 3919 3399 during office hours to reserve seats. 
 

     The Commissioner for Labour, Mr Chris Sun, has paid visits to a number of labour organisations and employer associations since assuming his post in late December last year, including visiting the Employers' Federation of Hong Kong today (January 29). These visits were made by the Commissioner with a view to enhancing understanding about the concerns of employees and employers on various labour matters, and strengthening communication and engagement with both the labour and business sides.
      
     Mr Sun has called on the major labour organisations, namely the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, the Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Labour Unions, the Hong Kong & Kowloon Trades Union Council and the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions. These labour organisations exchanged views with the Commissioner on various labour issues such as employment difficulties of workers as caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, support for the unemployed, better protection for the entitlements of the workforce, occupational safety and health (OSH) protection for employees, etc. 
      
     At the same time, Mr Sun has visited the major employer associations, namely the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, and the Employers' Federation of Hong Kong. He held exchanges with the business sector on such labour subjects as employment conditions and labour relations amid the pandemic, the progressive increase in the number of statutory holidays, abolition of the "offsetting" arrangement under the Mandatory Provident Fund system, and review of the penalties of OSH legislation.
      
     The employer associations also expressed full support for the Greater Bay Area Youth Employment Scheme which was launched by the Government on January 8. They provided their views to the Commissioner and encouraged their members to take part in the scheme.
      
     Mr Sun said, "The pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to both employers and employees, together with an extensive impact on the labour market. We hope that the labour-management sides would sustain their mutual understanding and partnership so as to ride out the storm together.
      
     "The Labour Department will continue to foster communication between employers and employees with a view to progressively improving the rights and benefits of employees, taking into account the interests of both sides. We will also endeavour to enhance the OSH standard in various industries," he added.