The Lo Wu Correctional Institution last night (December 17) learned that a correctional officer has preliminarily tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

     The staff member last performed her duties on Monday (December 14). During her leave, she was notified by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) on December 16 that one of her family members who lives with her tested positive for COVID-19. She was therefore regarded as a close contact of the case. She was arranged to undergo COVID-19 testing at Princess Margaret Hospital the following day (December 17) and was notified to have preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19 that night. The staff member has no recent travel history. She has been wearing surgical masks when performing duties and has properly maintained social distancing with people she has had contact with. Her body temperature was normal when undergoing temperature screening at work and she did not have any discomforting symptoms.

     The Correctional Services Department (CSD) has liaised with the CHP and followed the advice given which includes arranging COVID-19 testing for all persons in custody and staff of the institution as well as thorough cleaning and disinfection of the locations concerned.

     The CSD is highly concerned about the COVID-19 epidemic and has remained highly vigilant. Relevant hygienic measures for prevention of infectious diseases have been strictly implemented in accordance with the established mechanism. In addition, a series of disease prevention and disinfection measures have been put in place, including requiring staff members to check body temperatures and wear masks before and when performing duties. All working locations in the institution also undergo cleaning and disinfection regularly. The persons in custody and staff members are also reminded by the management to have a medical consultation promptly if they have any discomforting symptoms.

Ends/Friday, December 18, 2020
Issued at HKT 15:38

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