The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (December 26) said that an outsourced staff member working in its Temporary Specimen Collection Centre (TSCC) at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

     The staff member is responsible for receiving travellers arriving in Hong Kong via HKIA at the TSCC and last performed duties on December 23. The staff member wore appropriate protective equipment while performing duties. His body temperature was normal when undergoing temperature screening during work.

     The CHP has immediately commenced epidemiological investigations and conducted contact tracing on the case so as to identify and trace relevant close contacts. The CHP will also arrange testing for relevant individuals.

     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.

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     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (December 26) reminds members of the public to maintain an appropriate social distance with other people. In particular, they should strictly observe regulations on the prohibition of group gatherings.

     LCSD staff, together with law enforcement teams of relevant departments, stepped up patrols during Christmas holiday. Nearly 6 000 times verbal advice and 10 fixed penalty notices were given out between December 24 and 4 pm today. The LCSD spokesman calls on members of the public to exercise self-discipline in order to reduce the chances of spreading the virus in the community.

     The LCSD spokesman appeals to members of the public to comply with the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap 599G). The number of people in group gatherings should not be more than that as stipulated by the law. The number of persons currently allowed in group gatherings in public places is two. Members of the public should wear masks at all times when being present in any public place in accordance with the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap 599I). Offenders are liable to prosecution.

     The LCSD, together with law enforcement teams of relevant departments, will continue to step up patrols tomorrow. Enforcement actions will be taken against offenders.

     The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Caspar Tsui, today (December 26) is saddened by the passing of Mr Richard Pontzious, the Founder of Asian Youth Orchestra (AYO), and expressed his deepest condolences to Mr Pontzious's family.

     "As the founder of the AYO, Mr Pontzious has created an orchestra that would unite the region and celebrate the talents of Asia's brightest young musicians. Under his leadership as conductor, writer, teacher and mentor and through annual world tours, he has nurtured and inspired thousands of young talents in the pursuit of artistic excellence over the years since 1987. Mr Pontzious had made tremendous contribution to the arts and culture sector in Hong Kong. He was awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star in 2016. He will be dearly missed by all," Mr Tsui said. 

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     As at 9am today (December 26), 77 COVID-19 confirmed patients were discharged from hospital in the last 24 hours. So far, a total of 7 394 patients with confirmed or probable infection have been discharged.
      
     At present, there are 681 negative pressure rooms in public hospitals with 1 241 negative pressure beds activated. A total of 921 confirmed patients are currently hospitalised in 23 public hospitals and community treatment facility, among which 55 patients are in critical condition, 65 are in serious condition and the remaining 801 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:
 

     Police today (December 26) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Hung Hom.

     Chan Cheuk-ting Jessica, aged 26, went missing after she left her residence in Oi Man Estate yesterday (December 25) afternoon. Her family made a report to Police today.

     She is about 1.5 metres tall, 72 kilograms in weight and of fat build. She has a round face with yellow complexion and short black hair. She was last seen wearing a purple jacket, green long-sleeved shirt, black trousers and pink sports shoes.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Person Unit of Kowloon West on 3661 8036 or 9020 6542 or email to rmpu-kw@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.