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Hong Kong - Covid-19 cases - 4,902 cases, 99 deaths?

Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/21/P2020022100493.htm

Public hospitals daily update on COVID-19 cases
***************************************


The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

As at noon today (February 21), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 24 patients (15 male and nine female, aged 16 to 86) in the past 24 hours who met the reporting criteria of COVID-19. Appropriate tests have been arranged for the patients.

There are 94 patients under isolation currently. So far, six patients with the COVID-19 infection have been discharged upon recovery.

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.



Ends/Friday, February 21, 2020
Issued at HKT 18:11
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/21/P2020022100640.htm
A police officer suspectedly infected with COVID-19
*****************************************


A 48-year-old male Police officer was preliminarily tested positive for the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) yesterday (February 20). The Police officer concerned lives in Yun Mei House of Yau Mei Court of the Disciplined Services Quarters in Yau Tong with his wife. He stationed at North Point Division and is currently responsible for anti-riot duties in the Eastern District.

The officer has no travel history in the past 14 days and was on leave on February 17 and 18. On February 18, he felt unwell and attended a Chinese medicine clinic in Western District. On the next day (February 19), the officer visited a Government family clinic and was preliminarily tested positive for the COVID-19 on February 20.

Police are highly concerned about the case and would fully co-operate with the Department of Health (DH) in tracing the pathology, by proactively providing information such as the duty record of the officer over the past 14 days.

Acting upon DH’s professional advice, since the officer concerned started to develop symptoms on February 18, Police are actively tracing records of the officer’s work and daily activities over the past 14 days (from February 4 to February 18). The tracing will also cover locations frequented by the officer, to see if he had any contact with members of the public or participated in any private gathering etc.

According to Police’s initial records, the officer mainly carried out his duties in Chai Wan, North Point and Aberdeen between February 4 and February 16.

Meanwhile, in the evening of February 18, the officer attended a banquet with 59 Police officers in a restaurant in Western District. According to DH’s professional advice, the 59 officers are considered as close contacts and need to undergo quarantine.

Among these 59 close contacts, 36 of them were on duty in the Aberdeen Division in the evening of February 20. Upon learning of the incident, Police immediately suspended all the colleagues concerned from duty, in order to limit their contact with the public and allow them to wait for their quarantine arrangement at home.

The other 23 officers who attended the banquet are attached to Commercial Crime Bureau and different districts on the Hong Kong Island. Police have contacted all concerned officers and asked them to avoid making contact with the public and stay at home to wait for quarantine arrangement. Police and DH are actively looking into the work of close contacts, including whether they have contact with the public.

According to the professional advice of DH, anti-riot officers who stationed in Eastern District with the officer are not classified as persons in close contact at this stage. In the interest of public health, however, Police have immediately arranged concerned officers to stay at home for quarantine and avoid contact with members of the public.

According to the assessment of DH, citizens who came into contact with the officer concerned are not classified as persons in close contact.

Following DH’s professional advice, Police will:
  1. Fully co-operate with DH in providing assistance in carrying out quarantine measures for the 59 officers;
  2. Conduct further investigation into the work of the confirmed officer over the past 14 days;
  3. Sterilise all Police facilities, vehicles and quarters concerned by using 1:49 diluted bleach to clean public places and 75% alcohol to clean lifts and metallic surface;
  4. Ensure frontline officers are given respective protective gear, and remind them to pay attention to personal hygiene when coming in touch with members of the public to lower the risk of disease transmission.
  5. Remind officers to pay attention to physical health. If feeling unwell, they need to consult a doctor and report the case
  6. Assist in the medical and welfare matters of the confirmed officer; and
  7. Deploy resources flexibly to ensure provision of emergency services of the relevant districts remain unaffected




Ends/Friday, February 21, 2020
Issued at HKT 19:19
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/21/P2020022100782.htm

HKSARG enhances dissemination of anti-epidemic information through social media and online platforms
************************************************************************************


The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (February 21) launched a Telegram channel, "Hong Kong Anti-epidemic Information Channel", to disseminate the Government's information on COVID-19 in a more direct and speedy way. In addition, the Government has, since early February, made use of various online platforms to centrally disseminate anti-epidemic information, including an Interactive Map Dashboard (Dashboard) and a thematic website, with a view to updating the public on the relevant information.

The "Hong Kong Anti-epidemic Information Channel" on Telegram broadcasts comprehensive information and the latest updates from the Government, including the number of novel coronavirus infection cases, the affected public services and other important anti-epidemic messages. Members of the public who have installed the Telegram app on their personal computers or mobile phones are welcome to join the Channel at t.me/HKFIGHTCOVID19 to keep themselves posted on the latest developments.

The HKSAR Government also launched an Interactive Map Dashboard on February 3, which was jointly developed and managed by the Development Bureau, Lands Department and a group of volunteers from the Smart City Consortium, with datasets contributed by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, Hospital Authority, and relevant government bureaux and departments. Since its launch, the desktop and mobile versions of the Dashboard have attracted more than 7.5 million views.

The Dashboard has taken on a fresh look today (chp-dashboard.geodata.gov.hk/covid-19/en.html). Apart from improving the layout for more user-friendly navigation, the enhanced version has also built in more functions and housed more government information, including -

1. Upgrading the map features to facilitate the public to grasp the latest updates, such as enhancing the connection between the infection case and the places where the case subject has visited;

2. Adding the "Map Sensitive" function so that when users resize the map, the case list will automatically display the related cases in a particular region;

3. Adding the display function showing the infection time sequence so that the public will get a better understanding of the date and place relating to the infection cases;

4. Adjusting the displays on the Dashboard based on CHP's latest categorisation of the infection cases; and

5. Installing links to government news and videos.

Furthermore, the Government has revamped the anti-epidemic thematic page on CHP's website for better dissemination of information. The revamped website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html) integrates news updates from related government bureaux and departments and serves as a one-stop platform for broadcasting the latest updates on COVID-19 as well as information which people are concerned about, such as figures relating to the epidemic, measures undertaken made by bureaux and departments, clarifications made, public health education information on the prevention of COVID-19, as well as practical information related to inbound travel, school arrangements, public transport, public services, etc.

The Government will continue to abide by the principle of openness and transparency in handling the information dissemination work so that members of the public can be well-informed on the situation of the epidemic and get themselves prepared to fight the virus.



Ends/Friday, February 21, 2020
Issued at HKT 22:42
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/22/P2020022100827.htm

First batch of persons under compulsory quarantine completes quarantine
***********************************************************


Since the compulsory quarantine measure was introduced on February 8, the first batch of 663 persons has finished their 14-day compulsory quarantine at 0.00am today (February 22).

No one from the first batch of persons completing the compulsory quarantine became confirmed cases of COVID-19 during the quarantine period. Government assistance for persons under the compulsory quarantine includes a hotline by the Department of Health's Centre for Health Protection to provide health information and answer enquiries, as well as a dedicated hotline by the Home Affairs Department. Referrals are made to the Social Welfare Department for providing assistance when necessary.

During the quarantine period, the Government has various measures in place to monitor whether persons under quarantine are complying with the quarantine order. While officers from disciplinary forces would assist in spot checks, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer would make use of a location-sharing function of communication software and electronic wristbands to ensure that persons under quarantine are staying at their dwelling places.

According to the Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation, except for exempted persons, all persons having stayed in the Mainland for any period during the 14 days preceding arrival in Hong Kong, regardless of nationality and travel documents used, are subject to compulsory quarantine for 14 days. Contravening the compulsory quarantine requirement is a criminal offence. Offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for six months.



Ends/Saturday, February 22, 2020
Issued at HKT 0:02
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/22/P2020022200036.htm

59 close contacts will undergo quarantine at quarantine centres
***************************************************


A 48-year-old male Police officer who stationed at North Point Division Police Station was preliminarily tested positive for the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) on February 20. Police are highly concerned about the case and would fully co-operate with the Department of Health (DH) in tracing the pathology, by proactively providing information such as the duty record of the officer over the past 14 days.

Following the DH’s professional advice, Police provide the following information:

(1) Police are co-operating with the DH in carrying out quarantine measures for the 59 officers. As at 10pm yesterday (February 21), 11 Police officers were notified and being admitted to the quarantine centre at Heritage Lodge of the Jao Tsung-I Academy, including two officers who visited hospital with symptoms at earlier times. Two other officers with symptoms are receiving medical treatment in hospital. Among the four officers with symptoms, three were preliminarily tested negative for the COVID-19, while one is pending result;

(2) In the interest of public health, officers stationed at the same unit as the officer were deployed to other supporting units to avoid contact with the public;

(3) All Police officers working at North Point Division Police Station and Chai Wan Division Police Station need to wear masks, and everyone entering the stations need to have their body temperature checked in order to ensure health safety without affecting services of Police stations;

(4) Police will deploy resources flexibly to ensure provision of emergency services of the relevant districts remain unaffected;

(5) Police have sterilise all facilities in Police stations, report rooms, vehicles and quarters concerned, including cleaning public places with 1:49 diluted bleach;

(6) Police have reminded officers to reduce social contact to minimise risks of infection, and pay attention to physical health. If feeling unwell, they should consult a doctor and report the case;

(7) Police will continue to maintain close liaison with the DH and fully co-operate with related quarantine work.

Besides, it has been circulated on the Internet that a female Police officer of Aberdeen Division Police Station was suspected to be infected with the COVID-19. The officer today sought medical assistance at Ruttonjee Hospital as she felt unwell after work, and her test result is negative.



Ends/Saturday, February 22, 2020
Issued at HKT 1:32
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/22/P2020022200069.htm

Second chartered flight taking back Hong Kong residents on board Diamond Princess safely arrived
*******************************************************************************


The second chartered flight arranged by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to bring back the Hong Kong residents on board the Diamond Princess cruise arrived Hong Kong today (February 22) at around 1.40am.

Among the passengers on the flight were 82 Hong Kong residents and two Macao residents. The Macao Special Administrative Region Government has arranged a coach to pick up the two Macao residents directly at the Hong Kong International Airport and return Macao via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.

Before the passengers alight the aircraft, medical officers of the Department of Health (DH) briefly explained the quarantine arrangement to them and checked their body temperature. Upon arrival in Hong Kong, they are transferred by coaches to the quarantine centre at Chun Yeung Estate for quarantine observation for 14 days.

Up to February 21, there were a total of 634 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among passengers on board the Diamond Princess cruise, of which 66 were Hong Kong residents. They are under treatment in Japan.

As regards the close contacts of the confirmed cases, the DH has developed a protocol on disease prevention and risk management measures for taking them back to Hong Kong by a chartered flight. The DH is also making its best ndeavours to discuss with the airline on the practicable arrangements. The concerned persons must be tested with negative results on COVID-19 and are fit for travelling.

Officers of the Immigration Department will stay in Japan to continue to provide practicable assistance to Hong Kong residents who are staying or receiving medical treatment there.



Ends/Saturday, February 22, 2020
Issued at HKT 3:32
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/22/P2020022200494.htm

Public hospitals daily update on COVID-19 cases
***************************************


The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

As at noon today (February 22), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 19 patients (13 male and six female, aged seven to 89) in the past 24 hours who met the reporting criteria of COVID-19. Appropriate tests have been arranged for the patients.

There are 98 patients under isolation currently. So far, 11 patients with COVID-19 infection have been discharged upon recovery.

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.



Ends/Saturday, February 22, 2020
Issued at HKT 19:45
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/22/P2020022200738.htm

CHP investigates additional case of COVID-19
*************************************


The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 8pm today (February 22), the CHP is investigating one additional case of COVID-19, taking the number of confirmed cases to 69 and number of probable case to 1 in Hong Kong so far.

The confirmed case today involves a 96-year-old woman (the 70th case) with underlying illness who lives in Fly Dragon Terrace, 26-32 Tin Hau Temple Road, Tin Hau. She developed fever and cough since February 13. She sought medical attention at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) today and was admitted for treatment. Her respiratory sample was tested positive for COVID-19 virus and is now in a stable condition. She had no travel history during the incubation period. Her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter who live with her are asymptomatic and will be arranged for quarantine.

The CHP's epidemiological investigations revealed that the patients of the 65th case announced earlier and the 70th case today had both visited a Buddhist temple named Fook Wai Ching She in Maylun Apartments, 1-25 Shu Kuk Street, North Point in January and February. Those who also had visited the temple during the above period and develop relevant symptoms later, and the taxi driver who drove the patient from her home to PYNEH at around 2.30 – 2.45am today are urged to call the CHP hotline.

After the activation of Serious Response Level under the "Preparedness and Response Plan for Novel Infectious Disease of Public Health Significance", the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health had been closely liaising with the Police to prepare for the activation of the Major Incident Investigation and Disaster Support System (MIIDSS). Taking into consideration the latest development of the local cases of COVID-19, the CHP has been in contact with the Police to activate the MIIDSS, providing support and assistance on CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing for confirmed cases.

The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. Quarantine will be arranged for close contacts while medical surveillance will be arranged for other contacts. For the progress on the contact tracing of the cases, please see annex.

A spokesman for the CHP said, "According to our preliminary epidemiological investigations, some of the confirmed cases are locally infected. The CHP strongly urged 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."

The spokesman said, "On the 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. The public should go out less and reduce social activities, and maintain appropriate social distance with other people as far as possible."

"As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps); after using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs."

The CHP will report the cases to the World Health Organization, National Health Commission, Health Commission of Guangdong Province and Health Bureau of Macao.

The CHP has set up a hotline (2125 1122) for public enquiries. The hotline operates from 8am to midnight daily. As at 4pm today, a total of 18 859 calls were received.

A dedicated webpage (www.gov.hk/ncv) has been set up by the CHP. Information including the latest local situation, list of buildings and list of flights/trains/ships relevant to the confirmed cases, countries/areas with reported cases as well as health advice and a local situation interactive map dashboard are available on the webpage to help the public grasp the latest updates...

...Ends/Saturday, February 22, 2020
Issued at HKT 21:06
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/23/P2020022300540.htm

Public hospitals daily update on COVID-19 cases
***************************************


The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

As at noon today (February 23), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 32 patients (14 male and 18 female, aged 22 to 98) in the past 24 hours who met the reporting criteria of COVID-19. Appropriate tests have been arranged for the patients.

There are 99 patients under isolation currently. So far, 12 patients who had COVID-19 infection have been discharged upon recovery.

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.



Ends/Sunday, February 23, 2020
Issued at HKT 18:24
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/23/P2020022300733.htm

*****************************************


The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 8pm today (February 23), the CHP is investigating four additional cases of COVID-19 and has updated the probable case (the 66th case) announced earlier as confirmed case , taking the number of confirmed cases to 74 in Hong Kong so far.

The first confirmed case today involves a 68-year-old male passenger of Diamond Princess cruise (the 71st case), who has underlying illness. The patient stayed on the cruise from January 25 to February 20. He returned to Hong Kong by a chartered flight of the Hong Kong Government on February 20 and developed fever and cough on the same day. He was transferred from Chun Yeung Estate quarantine centre to Queen Elizabeth Hospital yesterday (February 22) and was admitted for treatment. His respiratory sample was tested positive for COVID-19 virus and is now in a stable condition. His wife, who travelled with him on the cruise, has no symptoms and is currently under quarantine.

The second case involves a 62-year-old man (the 72nd case) who lives in Choi Tin House, Hing Tin Estate in Lam Tin with good past health. He developed fever and cough on February 10 and consulted two private doctors during February 13 to 18. He sought medical attention at United Christian Hospital (UCH) on February 22 where he was admitted for treatment. His respiratory sample was tested positive for COVID-19 virus and is now in a serious condition. He had no travel history during the incubation period. His wife and son who live with him are all asymptomatic and will be arranged for quarantine. Separately, the patient has earlier provided information on his attendance of a gathering at a restaurant Wedding Banquet Specialist at Silvercord Tower, Tsim Sha Tsui on February 10. Upon verification by the CHP, the patient rectified that the date should be January 10. As this event did not fall into the incubation period of the patient, no contact tracing is required.

The third case involves an 80-year-old woman (the 73rd case) with good past health who lives alone in Chin Hing House, Hing Wah (2) Estate, Chai Wan. She developed cough and sore throat since February 8. She sought medical attention at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) on February 22 and was admitted for treatment. Her respiratory sample was tested positive for COVID-19 virus and is now in a stable condition. The patient had no travel history during the incubation period.

The fourth case involves a 76-year-old woman (the 74th case) with underlying illness who lives in Maylun Apartments, 1-25 Shu Kuk Street, North Point. She developed muscle pain and fever since February 13. She consulted two private doctors since onset and sought medical attention at PYNEH on February 22 and was admitted for treatment. Her respiratory sample was tested positive for COVID-19 virus and is now in a stable condition. She had no travel history during the incubation period. Her husband who lives with her is asymptomatic and will be arranged for quarantine.

The CHP's epidemiological investigations revealed that the patients of the 65th and 70th cases announced earlier and the 73th and 74th cases announced today had all visited a Buddhist temple named Fook Wai Ching She in Maylun Apartments in January and February. Those who also had visited the temple during the above period and developed relevant symptoms later, and the taxi driver who drove the patient of 74th case and her daughter from her home to PYNEH at around 3pm yesterday are urged to call the CHP hotline.

The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. Quarantine will be arranged for close contacts while medical surveillance will be arranged for other contacts. For the progress on the contact tracing of the cases, please see annex.

A spokesman for the CHP said, "According to our preliminary epidemiological investigations, some of the confirmed cases are locally infected. The CHP strongly urged 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."

The spokesman said, "On the 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. The public should go out less and reduce social activities, and maintain appropriate social distance with other people as far as possible."

"As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps); after using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs."

The CHP will report the cases to the World Health Organization, National Health Commission, Health Commission of Guangdong Province and Health Bureau of Macao.

Taking into consideration the latest situation of certain countries or regions, the spokesman reminded the public that when travelling to countries/areas with active community transmission of COVID-19 virus including provinces/cities of the Mainland, Italy (Lombardy and Veneto regions), Japan, Korea (Daegu and Gyeongbuk Province) and Singapore, they should avoid close contact with persons with fever or respiratory symptoms. If it is unavoidable to come into contact with them, put on a surgical mask and continue to do so until 14 days after returning to Hong Kong.

The CHP has set up a hotline (2125 1122) for public enquiries. The hotline operates from 8am to midnight daily. As at 4pm today, a total of 19 325 calls were received.

A dedicated webpage (www.gov.hk/ncv) has been set up by the CHP. Information including the latest local situation, list of buildings and list of flights/trains/ships relevant to the confirmed cases, countries/areas with reported cases as well as health advice and a local situation interactive map dashboard are available on the webpage to help the public grasp the latest updates.

Moreover, the Government has launched the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html) for announcing the latest updates on various news on COVID-19 infection and health advice to help the public grasp the latest updates....

...Ends/Sunday, February 23, 2020
Issued at HKT 23:54
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/24/P2020022400569.htm

Public hospitals daily update on COVID-19 cases
***************************************


The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

As at noon today (February 24), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 28 patients (12 male and 16 female, aged four to 82) in the past 24 hours who met the reporting criteria of COVID-19. Appropriate tests have been arranged for the patients.

There are 97 patients under isolation currently. So far, 17 patients with the COVID-19 infection have been discharged upon recovery.

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.



Ends/Monday, February 24, 2020
Issued at HKT 19:00
 
Source: https://en.brinkwire.com/news/confirmed-covid-19-cases-increase-to-79-in-hong-kong/

Confirmed COVID-19 cases increase to 79 in Hong Kong
By Brinkwire on February 24, 2020

HONG KONG, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) — Hong Kong reported five new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Monday, taking the total to 79, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government said.

At a daily press briefing, the CHP introduced the new cases, including two female patients, 58 and 59 respectively, returning to Hong Kong from the Diamond Princess cruise ship quarantined in Japan...
 
Hong Kong to institute border controls for travelers from Korea, including ban on non-Hong Kong residents entering from Korea.

https://news.mingpao.com/ins/港聞/arti...20837;境

GOOGLE TRANSLATE:

In response to the serious outbreak of the new type of coronavirus in South Korea, the Security Director Li Jiachao announced today that the Security Bureau will issue a red travel warning to South Korea. Citizens should avoid traveling unless necessary. There are currently more than ten Hong Kong tour groups in South Korea, involving more than 300 people. He said that starting at 6 am tomorrow, non-Hong Kong residents from South Korea will not be allowed to enter, including non-Hong Kong residents who have visited South Korea within 14 days.

The Minister of Food and Health, Chen Zhaoshi, said that all people arriving from South Korea must be evaluated by the Port Health Department, and they must be checked or isolated if they have a fever. Those who have been to Daegu or Gyeongsangbuk-do must be subject to compulsory quarantine for 14 days.

She said that four flights from South Korea arrived in Hong Kong tonight. The Port Health Division and the Immigration Department inquired everyone on the plane. If they had been to Daegu or Gyeongsangbuk-do, they had to undergo assessment and supervision by the Port Health Division.

She also said that non-Hong Kong residents from Japan and Italy recommended staying at their homes, taking temperature within 14 days, and wearing a mask when going out.
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/24/P2020022400639.htm

Government issues Red Outbound Travel Alert on Korea
*********************************************


In view of the health risks arising from the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Korea, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today (February 24) issued a Red Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) on the country.

A Government spokesman said, "In view of the persistent and rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Korea and the close contacts between Hong Kong and Korea, the Government has decided to issue the Red OTA on Korea based on public health considerations. Red OTA urges the public planning to travel to Korea to adjust travel plans and avoid non-essential travel."

For those who are already there, they should -
  • pay attention to announcements by local authorities;
  • put on a surgical mask all the time;
  • avoid unnecessary visits to healthcare facilities and crowded places;
  • avoid close contact with persons with fever or respiratory symptoms;
  • wear a surgical mask and inform the hotel staff or tour escort and seek medical advice at once if experiencing a fever or cough; and
  • perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes; after touching public installations such as handrails or door knobs; or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing.
If it is unavoidable to travel to Korea, the public should pay close attention to the latest situation of COVID-19 and the corresponding travel health advice issued by the Department of Health (DH). After returning to Hong Kong, consult a doctor promptly if experiencing a fever or other symptoms, take the initiative to inform the doctor of any recent travel history and any exposure to animals, and wear a surgical mask to help prevent spread of the disease until 14 days after returning to Hong Kong.

The Food and Health Bureau will closely monitor the situation. Any updates will be issued through the media, the Government's "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html), the DH's webpage (www.gov.hk/ncv) and the Security Bureau's OTA webpage (www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota). Any enquiries on health information on COVID-19 may be addressed to the DH's hotline at (852) 2125 1122 (operating daily from 8am to midnight).

Hong Kong residents in Korea who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit (AHU) of the Immigration Department at (852) 1868 or contact the Chinese Embassy in Republic of Korea (Consular protection hotline: (82) 2755 0572).

In addition, Hong Kong residents are encouraged to use the online Registration of Outbound Travel Information service (www.gov.hk/roti) to register their contact details and itinerary when outside Hong Kong. The information provided allows the DH and AHU of the Immigration Department to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means, including SMS on mobile phones, on a timely basis when necessary.



Ends/Monday, February 24, 2020
Issued at HKT 20:27
 
[h=2]Hong Kong to bar arrivals from South Korea[/h] https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1510537-20200224.htm

Hong Kong will close its doors on Tuesday to all arrivals from South Korea, except returning city residents, in response to the growing coronavirus outbreak, the territory's security chief said.

"Considering the development of the epidemic in South Korea, the Security Bureau will issue a red travel alert," John Lee told reporters on Monday.

The notice means anyone who has been in South Korea in the last fortnight will be denied entry.

Hong Kong residents will be allowed to return, but will have to undergo a fortnight of medical surveillance.
 
Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/24/P2020022400754.htm

CHP investigates seven additional cases of COVID-19
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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 8pm today (February 24), the CHP is investigating seven additional cases of COVID-19, taking the number of confirmed cases to 81 in Hong Kong so far.

The first case was detected via the "Enhanced Laboratory Surveillance Programme" which was expanded from February 19 to cover the patients attending the General Out-patient Clinics as well as Accident and Emergency Departments, involving a 35-year-old man (the 75th case) with good past health who lives in Block 3, Grand YOHO, Yuen Long. He developed fever and cough since February 19. He sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department at Pok Oi Hospital (POH) on February 21. His deep throat saliva specimen was tested positive for COVID-19 virus on February 22 and was arranged and admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) for treatment. He is now in a stable condition. The patient had been to his home in Futian, Shenzhen between February 3 and 7. His home contacts include wife, daughter and his sister-in-law from Shenzhen. His wife who presented with symptoms was transferred to TMH for isolation and treatment while his daughter and sister-in-law are asymptomatic and will be arranged for quarantine. Taxi drivers who drove the patient from his home to POH at around 7pm on February 21 and from POH to his home at around 9pm on the same night are urged to call the CHP hotline.

The second case involves a 57-year-old woman (the 76th case) who lives in Phase 1 of Redhill Peninsula in Tai Tam with good past health. She developed sore throat since February 8 and fever on February 10. She sought medical advice at the Outpatient Department (OPD) at the Hong Kong Sanitorium and Hospital (HKSH) between February 12 and 16 and was admitted to HKSH for treatment on February 16 and 17. She sought medical advice at OPD at the HKSH on February 23 again and was referred and admitted to Ruttonjee Hospital for treatment. Her respiratory sample was tested positive for COVID-19 virus and is now in a stable condition. She had travelled to Osaka in Japan (January 26 to 30) during the incubation period and returned to Hong Kong on January 31. Her husband, second and third sons, and her maid who live with her are all asymptomatic and will be arranged for quarantine.

The third case involves a 68-year-old woman (the 77th case) with good past health who lives in Majestic Apartments, 301-319 King's Road, North Point. She developed cough since February 19. She sought medical advice from a private doctor yesterday and called the CHP hotline subsequently. She was arranged to be taken to Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) by ambulance and was admitted for treatment. Her respiratory sample was tested positive for COVID-19 virus and is now in a stable condition. The patient had no travel history during the incubation period. Her husband and domestic helper who live with her are asymptomatic and will be arranged for quarantine.

The CHP's epidemiological investigations revealed that the 76th and 77th cases announced today together with the patients of the 65th, 70th, 73rd and 74th cases announced earlier (6 patients in total) had all visited a Buddhist temple named Fook Wai Ching She in Maylun Apartments in January or February. Those who also had visited the temple during the above period and developed relevant symptoms later, are urged to call the CHP hotline.

The fourth to seventh cases (the 78th to 81st cases) involve four passengers of Diamond Princess cruise, namely a 59-year-old woman, a 58-year-old woman, a 57-year-old man and a 57-year-old woman. All with good past health, the four patients stayed on the cruise from January 25 to February 21, and returned to Hong Kong by a chartered flight arranged by the Hong Kong Government on February 22. Their samples were preliminary tested positive for COVID-19 virus, hence they were arranged for admission and treatment at the QMH yesterday. Their respiratory samples were tested positive for COVID-19 virus by further testing today. They are now in a stable condition. The patient of the 78th case developed fever and headache today. Her sister and niece, who travelled with her on the cruise, have no symptoms and are currently under quarantine. The patient of the 79th case developed throat discomfort since February 4. Her husband, who travelled with her on the cruise, has no symptoms and is currently under quarantine. One of the five travel collaterals of the patient of the 80th case presented with symptoms and was transferred to United Christian Hospital for treatment yesterday. His other travel collaterals are asymptomatic and are currently under quarantine. Three travel collaterals of the patient of the 81st have no symptoms and are currently under quarantine.

Besides, the CHP appeals to taxi drivers who drove the patient of the 72nd case from his home at Choi Tin House, Hing Tin Estate in Lam Tin to Kwong Tin Shopping Centre in Lam Tin and the same way back at around 2-3pm on February 18 and February 20 to call the CHP hotline.

The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. Quarantine will be arranged for close contacts while medical surveillance will be arranged for other contacts. For the progress on the contact tracing of the cases, please see annex.

A spokesman for the CHP said, "According to our preliminary epidemiological investigations, some of the confirmed cases are locally infected. The CHP strongly urged 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."

The spokesman said, "On the 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. The public should go out less and reduce social activities, and maintain appropriate social distance with other people as far as possible."

"As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps); after using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs."

The CHP will report the cases to the World Health Organization, National Health Commission, Health Commission of Guangdong Province and Health Bureau of Macao.

The CHP has set up a hotline (2125 1122) for public enquiries. The hotline operates from 8am to midnight daily. As at 4pm today, a total of 19 861 calls were received.

Moreover, the Government has launched the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html) for announcing the latest updates on various news on COVID-19 infection and health advice to help the public grasp the latest updates...

...Ends/Monday, February 24, 2020
Issued at HKT 23:32
 
Source: https://asiatimes.com/2020/02/six-infected-with-virus-in-hk-buddhist-temple/

Six infected with virus in HK Buddhist temple
Many domestic workers in Hong Kong stopped their weekly gathering last Sunday because of the virus
by Jeff Pao February 24, 2020

At least six Hong Kong women have been identified as infected with the Covid-19 virus after visiting the Fook Wai Ching She Buddhist temple in North Point in January and this month.

Over the weekend, three women, aged 76, 80 and 96, sought medical attention on Saturday at the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital and were admitted for treatment. They showed positive test results for the Covid-19 virus. They had no travel history during the incubation period and were all in a stable condition.

The 80-year-old, identified as the 73rd infected individual in Hong Kong on Sunday, had good past health and lived alone in Chin Hing House, Hing Wah (2) Estate in Chai Wan. She developed a cough and sore throat on February 8.

The 76-year-old, identified as patient No 74 on Sunday, developed muscle pain and a fever on February 13, according to the Centre for Health Protection. She consulted two private doctors and went to hospital on Saturday. The woman had an underlying illness and lived with her husband in Maylun Apartments, 1-25 Shu Kuk Street, North Point. Her husband was quarantined.

The 96-year-old, identified as patient No 70 on Saturday, had an underlying illness and resided in Fly Dragon Terrace, 26-32 Tin Hau Temple Road, Tin Hau. She developed a fever and cough on February 13. Her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter who lived with her were quarantined.

The trio had visited the Fook Wai Ching She temple in Maylun Apartments in January and February....
 
Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong...oronavirus-two-more-hongkongers-linked-flurry

Coronavirus: two more Hongkongers linked with flurry of Buddhist hall cases test positive
A woman, 55, who had been to the religious hall in North Point and her 24-year-old son are suspected cases
If confirmed they would take the total number of coronavirus cases in Hong Kong to 83
SCMP
Kimmy Chung and Elizabeth Cheung
Published: 10:29am, 25 Feb, 2020
Updated: 10:48am, 25 Feb, 2020


Two more Hongkongers linked with a string of coronavirus cases at a Buddhist worship hall have tested positive, potentially bringing the city’s total to 83.

A 55-year-old woman who has visited the Fook Wai Ching She hall in North Point is a probable case, along with her 24-year-old son.

She is the sister of a 57-year-old who was diagnosed on Monday with Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, after attending the religious venue...
 
Hong Kong Education Bureau considering further extensions past Easter (mid-April) for school closings.

(note: Press conference later today about 2:00PM Hong Kong Time.)

https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong...ong-kong-school-closures-extend-beyond-easter

Hong Kong school closures will be extended until the end of the Easter holiday, the Posthas learned, though education officials were inclined to hold written tests for university entrance exams as planned from March 27 onwards.
 
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