Tag Archives: China

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Government gazettes compulsory testing notice

     The Government has exercised the power under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) and published in the Gazette a compulsory testing notice, which requires any person who had been present on three specified premises during the specified periods (persons subject to compulsory testing) to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test.

     A spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau (FHB) said today (January 9), “To cut the transmission chain in the community as soon as possible, the Government has expanded the scope for ‘compulsory testing on mandatory basis’. If confirmed cases not epidemiologically linked to each other were found in two or more units in the same building in the past 14 days, the building would be included in the compulsory testing notice under Cap. 599J. Persons who had been present at the relevant building in the past 14 days will have to undergo compulsory testing. Two buildings fulfilling the above criteria are covered by the compulsory testing notice.”

     “In addition, a number of confirmed cases were recently found in the construction sites for Central Kowloon Route – Central Tunnel. Accordingly, the Government would request persons who had been present at the relevant construction sites in the specified period to undergo testing again immediately.”

     Details of persons subject to compulsory testing are as follows:

(1) Any person who had been present on any of the following specified premises for more than two hours at any time during the period from December 27, 2020 to January 9, 2021 (including but not limited to visitors, residents and workers) – 

1. Block 3 of Sun Yuen Long Centre, 8 Long Yat Road, Yuen Long
2. King Lai House of Shan King Estate, 1 Ming Kum Road, Tuen Mun

(2) Any person who had worked or had been present for more than two hours at the construction sites for contract number HY/2018/08 – Central Kowloon Route – Central Tunnel at any time during the period from January 3 to January 9, 2021

     Persons subject to compulsory testing have to undergo testing by January 12, 2021. If persons subject to compulsory testing have previously undergone testing between January 7 and January 9, 2021, they would be taken to have complied with the requirements set out in the compulsory testing notice.

     “Based on recent experience, persons subject to compulsory testing would feel more relieved if they receive SMS (mobile phone text message) notifications confirming the negative results of the tests. Such SMS notifications can also facilitate law enforcement. Therefore, the Government has updated the testing routes applicable to compulsory testing notices, which only include those where SMS notifications confirming negative test results would be issued to persons who underwent testing afterwards. The Government is reviewing the need for setting up mobile specimen collection stations near the relevant buildings. Apart from mobile specimen collection stations, persons subject to compulsory testing can also choose to attend any of the community testing centres in all districts to receive testing free of charge.”

     Persons subject to compulsory testing may choose to undergo testing via the following routes: 

1. To visit any of the mobile specimen collection stations (see the list and target groups (if applicable) at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/early-testing.html) for testing;

2. To attend any of the community testing centres (see the list at www.communitytest.gov.hk/en/);

3. To obtain a deep throat saliva specimen collection pack from any of the 121 post offices, vending machines set up at 20 MTR stations or 47 designated general outpatient clinics (GOPCs) of the Hospital Authority and return the specimen to one of the designated specimen collection points (see the distribution points and times, and the specimen collection points and times, at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/early-testing.html); 

4. To undergo testing at any of the GOPCs of the Hospital Authority as instructed by a medical professional of the Hospital Authority; 

5. To self-arrange testing provided by private laboratories which are recognised by the Department of Health and can issue SMS notifications in respect of test results (see the list at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/List_of_recognised_laboratories_RTPCR.pdf); or

6. To use a specimen bottle distributed to the relevant specified premises by the Centre for Health Protection (if applicable), and return the specimen bottle with the sample collected as per the relevant guidelines.

     The spokesman cautioned that testing received at accident and emergency departments of the Hospital Authority or during hospital stays, or testing provided by private laboratories which cannot issue SMS notifications in respect of test results, does not comply with the requirements of the aforementioned compulsory testing notice.

     “If persons subject to compulsory testing have symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately and undergo testing as instructed by a medical professional. They should not attend the mobile specimen collection stations or the community testing centres.”

     Persons subject to compulsory testing must keep the SMS notification containing the result of the test for checking by a law enforcement officer when the officer requires the persons to provide information about their undergoing the specified test.

     Furthermore, persons subject to testing under the compulsory testing notice should, as far as reasonably practicable, take appropriate personal disease prevention measures including wearing a mask and maintaining hand hygiene, and, unless for the purpose of undergoing the specified test, stay at their place of residence and avoid going out until the test result is ascertained as far as possible.

     Any enquiries on compulsory testing arrangements may be addressed to the hotline at 6275 6901, which operates daily from 9am to 6pm. If persons subject to compulsory testing plan to conduct testing at any of the community testing centres, they can check the centre’s appointment status in advance. The hotlines of the community testing centres are at www.communitytest.gov.hk/en/info/.

     The Government will continue to trace possibly infected persons who had been to the relevant premises, and seriously verify whether they had complied with the testing notice. Any person who fails to comply with the testing notice commits an offence and may be fined a fixed penalty of $5,000. The person would also be issued with a compulsory testing order requiring him or her to undergo testing within a specified time frame. Failure to comply with the order is an offence and the offender would be liable to a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and imprisonment for six months.

     The spokesman said, “The Government urges all individuals who are in doubt about their own health conditions, or individuals with infection risks (such as individuals who visited places with epidemic outbreaks or contacted confirmed cases), to undergo testing promptly for early identification of infected persons. The FHB will publish compulsory testing notices regarding particular groups when necessary taking into account the epidemic developments and the testing participation rate.” read more

East Asia

CHP investigates 59 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 0.00am, January 9, the CHP was investigating 59 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 9 212 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 9 211 confirmed cases and one probable case).

     Among the newly reported cases announced, six had a travel history during the incubation period.

     A total of 671 cases have been recorded in the past 14 days (December 26 to January 8), including 618 local cases of which 202 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. read more

East Asia

Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital announces a patient tested positive to COVID-19

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) made the following announcement today (January 9) concerning a patient tested positive to COVID-19:
      
     A 61-year-old female patient was admitted to the surgical ward of PYNEH on January 7. A pre-admission screening of COVID-19 test on January 6 and an admission screening on January 7 morning were arranged for the patient. Both results were negative. The patient presented with persistent respiratory symptoms and low grade fever. She was later arranged to undergo a respiratory virus and COVID-19 combined test. The result of COVID-19 was shown indeterminate in the early morning on January 8 and confirmed positive by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) in the evening on the same day. The patient is now being transferred to the isolation ward for further treatment with stable condition.
      
     Upon learning the patient’s test result, the Infection Control Team of PYNEH conducted contact tracing for the patients and hospital staff who had been in contact with the patient. Six patients who had stayed in the same cubicle in the surgical ward with the patient concerned were identified as close contacts. Among them, five of the patients have been transferred to the hospital’s isolation ward. COVID-19 tests have been arranged for these patients and the results were negative. The other one patient has already been discharged. In view of the clinical needs, the patient will be admitted to the isolation ward of the hospital for quarantine. Another 44 patients who have stayed in the same ward and one patient who has stayed in the recovery room after surgery are classified as other contacts. COVID-19 tests and medical surveillance will be arranged for them.
       
     During the patient’s hospital stay, a scan in the Department of Nuclear Medicine and a surgery under general anesthesia with aerosol generating procedure were performed. Hospital staff had been wearing appropriate personal protective equipment in accordance with the infection control guidelines while providing treatment and care to the patient. No staff member has been identified as a close contact. As a precautionary measure, the hospital will arrange COVID-19 tests and medical surveillance for all staff members concerned.
      
     The hospital has stopped admitting patients to the ward concerned and thorough disinfection has been arranged. PYNEH will continue to closely monitor the health of our staff and patients, as well as communicating with the CHP about the latest situation. read more

East Asia