The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 0.00am, March 1, the CHP was investigating 14 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 11 020 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 11 019 confirmed cases and one probable case).
 
     Among the newly reported cases announced, three are imported cases, five are local cases with unknown sources while the remaining six cases are epidemiologically linked with a local case.
           
     The first case with unknown sources involves a 23-year-old man (case number: 11009) who developed sore throat, cough and headache on February 26. He attended Accident and Emergency Department of a public hospital on February 27 and tested positive. He is a cashier and he last went to work on February 26.
 
     The second case with unknown sources involves a 54-year-old woman (case number: 11012) who developed cough and headache on February 23. She attended a private practitioner on February 24 and submitted a deep throat saliva sample to a General Out-patient Clinic on the next day and was tested positive. The patient is a secretary and she last went to work on February 23.
 
     The third case with unknown sources involves a 30-year-old man (case number: 11014) who developed headache, cough and loss of taste on February 23. He went to a community testing centre for testing on February 24 and tested positive. He is a part-time teacher. He did not go to work during the incubation period.
 
     The fourth case with unknown sources involves a 41-year-old man (case number: 11016) who developed sore throat and cough on February 22. He attended a General Out-patient Clinic on February 24 and tested positive. He is a security guard and he last went to work on February 28.
 
     The fifth case with unknown sources involves a 36-year-old man (case number: 11019) who developed loss of smell on February 27. He went to a community testing centre for testing on February 27 and tested positive. He is a camera repair technician and he last went to work on February 26.

      A total of 226 cases have been recorded in the past 14 days (February 15 to 28), including 189 local cases of which 66 are from unknown sources.
      
     The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. For case details and contact tracing information, please see the Annex or the list of buildings with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and the latest local situation of COVID-19 available on the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk).
      
     Meanwhile, the CHP reminded those who had visited specified venues under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) to receive COVID-19 nucleic acid testing according to the compulsory testing notice. The public are also urged to seek medical attention early if symptoms develop.
      
     The CHP called on members of the public to avoid going out, having social contact and dining out. They should put on a surgical mask and maintain stringent hand hygiene when they need to go out. The CHP strongly urged the elderly to stay home as far as possible and avoid going out. They should consider asking their family and friends to help with everyday tasks such as shopping for basic necessities.
      
     The spokesman said, "Given that the situation of COVID-19 infection remains severe and that there is a continuous increase in the number of cases reported around the world, members of the public are strongly urged to avoid all non-essential travel outside Hong Kong.
      
     "The CHP also strongly urges 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. On a 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.
      
     "As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly, regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps) and cover all floor drain outlets when they are not in use. After using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs."
      
     Moreover, the Government has launched the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for announcing the latest updates on various news on COVID-19 infection and health advice to help the public understand the latest updates. Members of the public may also gain access to information via the COVID-19 WhatsApp Helpline launched by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer. Simply by saving 9617 1823 in their phone contacts or clicking the link wa.me/85296171823?text=hi, they will be able to obtain information on COVID-19 as well as the "StayHomeSafe" mobile app and wristband via WhatsApp.
      
      To prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infections, members of the public should always maintain good personal and environmental hygiene. They are advised to:
 
• Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, after touching public installations such as handrails or doorknobs, or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
• Maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly (about once a week) pour about half a litre of water into each drain outlet (U-trap) to ensure environmental hygiene;
• Cover all floor drain outlets when they are not in use;
• After using the toilet, put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, performing hand hygiene with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub is an effective alternative;
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly; and
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending class at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly.

Ends/Monday, March 1, 2021
Issued at HKT 14:00

NNNN