United Christian Hospital announces a nurse tested preliminarily positive to COVID-19
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United Christian Hospital (UCH) made an announcement today (August 12) regarding a nurse tested preliminarily positive to COVID-19:
A male nurse of a psychiatric ward at UCH has onset of cough and sputum since August 9, and presented with low grade fever during his duty on August 10 and attended the Accident and Emergency Department. COVID-19 deep throat saliva test was arranged and the test result was preliminarily positive yesterday (August 11). The nurse is currently receiving isolation treatment in the hospital with stable condition.
The nurse concerned performed routine clinical duties in the ward and was equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment during his work. He did not have any contact with COVID-19 confirmed patients nor perform high-risk medical procedures in the past 28 days. As a precautionary measure, admission and discharge of patients in the ward concerned have been suspended. There are a total of 20 patients in the ward and all of their COVID-19 tests are negative. The hospital is conducting tests for other colleagues who have worked in the ward and the test results received so far are all negative. Environment samples taken from the ward are all negative as well.
The hospital's infection control team conducted contact tracing and five colleagues who had meals together with the nurse are being classified as close contacts and need to be quarantined for 14 days. The hospital will follow up with the Centre for Health Protection (CHP). So far, no patients are classified as close contacts and the hospital will arrange 28-day medical surveillance for patients and staff in the ward.
The hospital has arranged thorough cleansing and disinfection for the ward concerned, staff canteen and changing room. UCH will continue to closely monitor the health of our staff and patients and communicate with the CHP about the latest situation.
Ends/Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Issued at HKT 21:45
Issued at HKT 21:45
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