The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) made the following announcement today (January 12):
       
     Seven male patients (aged 28 to 93) in a medical ward have been confirmed to be carriers of Carbapenem Resistant Acinetobacter since December 16. Four patients and one patient are currently being treated under isolation at PWH and Shatin Hospital respectively in stable condition. One patient had been discharged while another patient had passed away earlier due to underlying disease.
 
     Following the activation of the Emergency Response Level in public hospitals, the visiting arrangement for the ward has been suspended. The following enhanced infection control measures have been adopted according to established guidelines:

1. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of the ward concerned;
2. Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene for staff and patients; and
3. Enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures.
 
     All other patients in the ward are under close medical surveillance. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
 

Ends/Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Issued at HKT 19:50

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