Kwong Wah Hospital announces a nurse tested preliminarily positive for COVID-19
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Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) made an announcement today (August 11) regarding a nurse tested preliminarily positive for COVID-19:
A male nurse of a surgical ward at KWH presented with sore throat, cough, runny nose since August 6. The nurse had provided treatment and care to confirmed COVID-19 male patients and COVID-19 test had been arranged for him subsequently. His test result revealed yesterday (August 10) was preliminarily positive. The nurse is in stable condition and will be admitted for treatment under isolation.
The nurse concerned worked in a male surgical ward. He performed clinical duties and was equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment as well as complying with hand hygiene at work. The nurse did not perform high-risk medical procedures for COVID-19 confirmed patients. As a precautionary measure, the hospital was reviewing the work schedule of the nurse to determine whether any of the patients should be classified as close contacts or other contacts. Moreover, the result of contact tracing conducted by the hospital's infection control team showed that none of the staff members had been classified as close contacts. At the same time, the hospital was notified that the nurse's spouse was also a staff member of KWH. She was classified as a close contact due to household contact. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) would follow up on the necessary tests and quarantine arrangements for her.
Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, Chair Professor of the Department of Microbiology, University of Hong Kong and his team had paid a visit to KWH this afternoon. He gave professional advice on further strengthening of infection control measures in wards. Professor Yuen recommended KWH to inspect and test the ventilation system at particular ward cubicles and enhance the ventilation facilities if necessary. Additionally, he reminded patients to wear masks in hospitals at all times and not to talk while eating in order to reduce the risk of infection. Hospital would follow up his recommendations accordingly.
Admission to the ward affected would continue to be suspended. The hospital would closely monitor the health of staff members and patients, and follow up the case with CHP.
At the same time, a 75-year-old male COVID-19 confirmed case (case number: 4146) passed away today afternoon. The 75-year-old male patient was a close contact of a confirmed case and was admitted to the Hospital on July 22 due to upper respiratory tract infection. He had been tested positive for COVID-19 on August 9. His condition had deteriorated subsequently and he eventually succumbed at 12.46pm today.
The Hospital is saddened about the passing away of the patient and would offer necessary assistance to his family members.
Including the above case, 59 COVID-19 patients have passed away in public hospitals so far.
Ends/Tuesday, August 11, 2020
Issued at HKT 23:10
Issued at HKT 23:10
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