The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) made an announcement today (January 21) regarding a nurse tested preliminarily positive for COVID-19:
      
     A nurse of the Medicine & Geriatrics Department was classified as a close contact of the person who was infected by COVID-19 in the community. She was required to quarantine since January 17. The nurse has had onset of headache on January 18 and underwent the COVID-19 test on January 20. Her test result was preliminarily positive on that day.
      
     The last working date of the nurse was January 16. She was equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment at work. She did not come into contact with any COVID-19 patients over the past 14 days in the hospital and was not required to perform any high-risk medical procedures for patients. Therefore, no patient was identified as close contact.
      
     The hospital infection control team conducted contact tracing. A nurse who had meals with the nurse with preliminary positive result is classified as close contact and is required to quarantine for 14 days.
      
     The hospital has arranged thorough cleaning and disinfection for the workplace concerned, staff changing room and common areas. PMH will continue to closely monitor the health of related staff and patients and communicate with the Centre for Health Protection on the latest situation.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 21) appealed to members of the public to take precautionary measures against carbon monoxide poisoning as a notification of a suspected case of carbon monoxide poisoning after the use of gas water heater was received from the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) yesterday (January 20). 
 
     The case involved a 27-year-old woman, who was found unconscious when she had a shower by using a gas water heater for about half an hour inside the bathroom at home on January 19. She was sent to Tuen Mun Hospital and was later transferred to PYNEH for treatment. She is now in stable condition. According to preliminary investigation findings, the gas water heater was purchased through internet from areas outside Hong Kong. The exhaust fan in the bathroom has been broken down for a few days prior to the incident and window and door of the bathroom were closed completely during shower that may cause the increase in carbon monoxide level inside the bathroom.  
 
     Investigation is on going.
 
     The CHP said that carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas which is a by-product from incomplete combustion of any fuel which contains carbon, such as wood, natural gas and gasoline.
 
     Exposure to low concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to a range of symptoms such as dizziness, headache, tiredness and nausea; whereas exposure to high concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to impaired vision, disturbed coordination, unconsciousness, brain damage or even death.
 
     The CHP reminded members of the public that gas water heater should be used in a well ventilated area. They should seek medical attention immediately if suspected of developing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
 
     For safety instructions on purchasing and using domestic gas water heater, please pay attention to Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD)'s following advice:
 

• Ensure that the gas water heater has been approved by EMSD and bears a "GU" mark;
• All installation, replacement or repair work on gas appliances must be carried out by a registered gas installer employed by a registered gas contractor. Moreover, conduct a regular safety inspection once every 18 months;
• Stop use immediately if the heater shows any abnormality, and contact the appliance dealer to check or repair;
• Turn off the gas main switch promptly under safe conditions if a gas leak is detected and notify the appliance dealer.
• For more details, please refer to EMSD's website.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 0.00am, January 21, the CHP was investigating 70 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 9 868 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 9 867 confirmed cases and one probable case).

     Among the newly reported cases announced, seven are imported cases.

     A total of 723 cases have been recorded in the past 14 days (January 7 to 20), including 687 local cases of which 250 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 following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) published today (January 21) a report titled "AML/CFT Regtech: Case Studies and Insights" highlighting the opportunities that regulatory technology (Regtech) offers to transform the effectiveness and efficiency of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) efforts, and sharing end-to-end approaches which worked in real-life examples.
 
     Following the first AML/CFT RegTech Forum in November 2019 (Note), the HKMA has collaborated with an international consulting firm to follow up progress made by three breakout groups of banks. This report details case studies and insights of banks which have implemented technologies, including network analytics and robotic process automation (RPA), and is designed to provide practical guidance to banks at various stages of AML/CFT Regtech adoption.
 
     Key takeaways include:
 

• Getting started – common initial questions; possible ways to begin; good practices;
• Data and process readiness – key preparatory steps regarding data, processes and the use of network analytics;
• Third-party vendor relationships – how to identify and evaluate potential Regtech providers in a fast-developing field;
• People, talent and culture – necessary knowledge, skills and experience required in implementation teams and the often misunderstood role of data scientists; and
• Performance metrics and indicators – what success looks like.

 
     The Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Arthur Yuen, said, "This report is the first time that we share comprehensive and practical, hands-on experience from banks that have actually implemented AML/CFT Regtech. The case studies show the importance of early and continuing stakeholder buy-in; interdisciplinary adoption teams; forums to share views and experience; and being able to track and measure success. The HKMA encourages banks to draw reference from the examples and insights that are relevant to their particular circumstances to inform the appropriate Regtech adoption journey. We will continue to have regard to these developments in our supervisory engagement with the industry."
 
     The report can be found at www.hkma.gov.hk/media/eng/doc/key-information/guidelines-and-circular/2021/20210121e1a1.pdf.

Note: For further details, please refer to the press release and the Record of Discussion of the AML/CFT RegTech Forum in November 2019: www.hkma.gov.hk/eng/news-and-media/press-releases/2019/11/20191122-4

     The Housing Department today (January 21) learned that an assistant housing manager has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). She is staying at a hospital for treatment.
 
     She worked at the Housing Department Kowloon West and Sai Kung (10) District Tenancy Management Office (DTMO) on the ground floor of Kin Hei House, Kin Ming Estate, Tseung Kwan O. She last worked in the office on January 14.  
 
     The DTMO has been open to the public. Nonetheless, the assistant housing manager did not have contact with members of the public recently while performing duties. She had been wearing masks and following relevant disease prevention measures at work. 
 
     The DTMO has been fully cleaned and sterilised in accordance with the guidelines of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP). It has already been closed and will reopen for public service on January 25. 
 
     The Housing Department will continue to maintain close liaison with the CHP and co-operate with its disease prevention measures and quarantine work.